A miner from Gwanda reportedly pushed his workmate down a 15-metre-deep shaft before setting him on fire during a dispute over an undisclosed matter.

The incident occurred at Joy 4 Mine in Vhovha area on Saturday at around 7PM.

It is alleged that the suspect only identified as Mjoza pushed Moffat Madera (22) down the shaft, threw a pile of clothes inside and then a burning log.

The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and Madera’s body was retrieved from the shaft. He said Madera sustained serious burns.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thabani Mkhwananzi confirmed the incident and he also said the suspect is still on the run The Chronicle reports.