HARARE – Zimbabwean authorities are urgently appealing for assistance in locating the families of 20 Zimbabwean nationals who died during South Africa’s controversial “Operation Vala Umgodi” at a disused mine in Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg. The operation, which targeted illegal miners, has been heavily criticised by human rights groups.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that they had received a formal request from South African authorities, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, to assist in the identification and repatriation of the deceased. The bodies are currently unclaimed.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a statement urging relatives to come forward. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police has received a request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade from authorities in South Africa to assist in the location and identification of relatives of Zimbabweans who sadly perished in a mine during Operation Vala Umgodi recently,” Nyathi said.
He emphasised the importance of family cooperation in identifying the victims and ensuring their dignified return to Zimbabwe for burial. “The cooperation of relatives will assist in the identification of the victims and repatriation of the bodies for burial in Zimbabwe,” he added.
The names of the deceased, as released by the police, are: Bothwell Mlambo, Bobo Sithole, Gladman Mlambo, Blessing Mlambo, Shepherd (surname unknown), Kenisa Majoni, Benard Mamombe, Trust Makitisa, Jairosi Pasa, Moses Chidumba, Thomas Chipanza, Jack Mlambo Maeza, Edzai Mlambo Maeza, Make Mlambo, Pindirai Dumbarimwe, Tendai Mubaiba, Mebishengs Mutubuki, Tinashe Shangure, Tafadzwa Ndlovu, and Justice Mwapinda.
Police have provided additional information for some of the deceased, including the names of potential next of kin. These include Maggie Dziva (related to Bobo Sithole), Shadhi Maji (brother of Kenisa Majoni), Meshack Ziyaduma and Lazarus Ziyaduma (related to Trust Makitisa), Simon Maronga, Enes Mahachi and Kenas Pasi (related to Jairosi Pasa), and Joseph Mlambo (related to Jack Mlambo Maeza). For several others, including Bothwell Mlambo, Gladman Mlambo, Blessing Mlambo, Shepherd, Benard Mamombe, Moses Chidumba, Thomas Chipanza, Edzai Mlambo Maeza, Make Mlambo, Pindirai Dumbarimwe, Tendai Mubaiba, Mebishengs Mutubuki, Tinashe Shangure, Tafadzwa Ndlovu and Justice Mwapinda, next of kin are currently unknown.
Commissioner Nyathi noted that full particulars for some of the victims are still being sought, but available information strongly suggests they are Zimbabwean nationals.
The ZRP is urging anyone with information about the deceased or their families to contact the police National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800197. Individuals can also report to their nearest police station.
“Operation Vala Umgodi,” which commenced in August of last year and concluded in January, saw South African authorities cracking down on illegal mining activities at the Stilfontein mine. The operation involved cutting off food and water supplies to the miners in an attempt to force them to the surface. rights groups have condemned the operation, alleging that at least 78 people died, likely from starvation, during the months-long standoff.
The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) has been a vocal critic of “Operation Vala Umgodi,” describing it as “the dehumanisation and criminalisation of these poor, desperate miners.” Giwusa president Mametlwe Sebei has accused the government of pursuing treacherous policies and engaging in a campaign of lies.
The South African police acknowledged the difficulties faced by investigators in identifying the deceased, citing the advanced state of decomposition of some of the bodies.
As Zimbabweans mourn the loss of their countrymen, the ZRP’s appeal underscores the urgent need for families to come forward and provide closure for the victims and their loved ones.
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