The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of twenty Zimbabwean nationals who died during South Africa’s ongoing Vala Umgodi operation.
According to the ZRP, the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has requested its assistance in locating and identifying the next of kin or relatives of the deceased. This is to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies to Zimbabwe for dignified burials.
The ZRP released the following list of the deceased: Bothwell Mlambo (next of kin unknown), Bobo Sithole (Maggie Dziva), Gladman Mlambo (next of kin unknown), Blessing Mlambo (next of kin unknown), Shepherd (next of kin unknown), Kenisa Majoni (Shadhi Maji, brother), Benard Mamombe (next of kin unknown), Trust Makitisa (Meshack Ziyaduma and Lazarus Ziyaduma), Jairosi Pasa (Simon Maronga, Enes Mahachi, and Kenas Pasi), Moses Chidumba (next of kin unknown), Thomas Chipanza (next of kin unknown), Jack Mlambo (Maeza Joseph Mlambo), Edzai Mlambo (Maeza, relationship unknown), Make Mlambo (Kenas Mlambo), Pindirai Dumbarimwe (Kenas Mlambo), Tendai Mubaiba (next of kin unknown), Mebishengs Mutubuki (next of kin unknown), Tinashe Shangure (next of kin unknown), Tafadzwa Ndlovu (next of kin unknown), and Justice Mwapinda (next of kin unknown).
Operation Vala Umgodi was launched by South African authorities in December 2023 as a crackdown on illegal mining activities. Over 13,000 illegal miners have been arrested since the operation began. Tragically, at least 78 miners died after being trapped in an abandoned mine in Stilfontein during the operation.
Efforts are underway to obtain the full particulars of some of the victims, but existing information strongly indicates that all of them are Zimbabwean citizens.
The ZRP is appealing to relatives and members of the public to cooperate in the identification process and assist in efforts to repatriate the deceased for burial back home.
