The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued an urgent appeal to locate the relatives of 20 Zimbabwean nationals who perished in a South African mine during Operation Vala Umgodi, a recent crackdown targeting illegal mining activities. The request was received through Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade from South African authorities.
The ZRP has released the following list of the deceased, some with partial details, as efforts continue to confirm their full identities:
- Bothwell Mlambo – Next of kin: Unknown
- Bobo Sithole – Next of kin: Maggie Dziva
- Gladman Mlambo – Next of kin: Unknown
- Blessing Mlambo – Next of kin: Unknown
- Shepherd (Surname Unknown) – Next of kin: Unknown
- Kenisa Majoni – Next of kin: Shadhi Maji (Brother)
- Benard Mamombe – Next of kin: Unknown
- Trust Makitisa – Next of kin: Meshack Ziyaduma, Lazarus Ziyaduma
- Jairosi Pasa – Next of kin: Simon Maronga, Enes Mahachi, Kenas Pasi
- Moses Chidumba – Next of kin: Unknown
- Thomas Chipanza – Next of kin: Unknown
- Jack Mlambo Maeza – Next of kin: Joseph Mlambo
- Edzai Mlambo Maeza – Next of kin: Unknown
- Make Mlambo – Next of kin: Kenas Mlambo
- Pindirai Dumbarimwe – Next of kin: 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
- Justice Mwapinda – Next of kin: Unknown
The bodies remain unclaimed, and the ZRP is urging relatives and friends to assist in identifying the victims to facilitate repatriation for burial in Zimbabwe. Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, emphasized the need for public cooperation to ensure the deceased are laid to rest with dignity.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp at 0712 800197, or visit any police station.
