The little village of Mubvumoni, approximately 70km north west of Thohoyandou, nearly turned into a weeping house on Saturday, during the funeral service of Patrick Mungadi (34), one of the two miners who died after a rockfall at Tshikondeni Coal Mine two weeks ago.

Mungadi and his co-worker, Norman Muleya (22), were not lucky enough to survive when the roof of the Mutale Shaft collapsed while they were underground, whereas their counterpart, Actor Manuga (42), narrowly escaped with his life. The mine had to divide personnel because many were at Muleya’s funeral, which was held at Sanari village, outside Musina, on the same day.

During Mungadi’s funeral, Tshikondeni Mine Manager Adrie Conradie said Mungadi had a passion to work with people and was liked and respected by his colleagues at work. “It will take time for us who remain behind to understand fully why this tragedy happened. We should get our priorities right and do the best we can, all in honour of the hardworking Patrick. The management team and people of Tshikondeni Mine express their deepest condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the deceased hero who died in the line of duty. However, we thank God for giving us a chance to work with Patrick at Tshikondeni Mine. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Best Mudzanani of the National Union of Mine Workers at Tshikondeni Coal Mine appealed to members of the union to unite and help each other during such difficult times. “It is sad to lose such hardworking friends in such painful circumstances, but we strongly believe that the mine will do intensive investigation into what caused such a tragedy. We are also entitled to intensive security when working underground.”

The deceased’s father, Elias Mungadi, says Patrick’s death has left a void in his family. “He left two young widows and four children, who are still very young. We only put our trust in God in assisting us to raise these innocent kids.”

When the goldplated coffin was lowered into the cold earth, family members and friends collapsed, while some of the mourners and miners turned paramedics in a bid to control the emotional situation.