Gov’t launches probe into death of child in mining pit

The Ministry of Natural Resources has launched an investigation into the death of an 11-year-old boy of North West District, who was killed in a mining pit on Thursday.

Tyrone Tyrel DeSouza was killed when a mining pit collapsed at Creek Backdam, North West District, Region One at about 22:30hrs on Thursday after he and nine others ventured into a mining claim, owned by Terrence Yarde, and started an illegal search for gold.

The Ministry, in a statement on Saturday, said the incident is “a great cause of concern” for the Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and the Ministry.

“Raiding and illegal mining remains significant problems in the sector and this death only reinforces the resulting dangers of these,” the Ministry said.

“It is high time” persons understand these dangers and deter from doing such acts, the statement noted.

The police are also investigating the matter.

DeSouza’s body was removed from the pit on Friday and is at the Port Kaituma Hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem.