The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in identifying and locating the families of 20 Zimbabwean nationals who perished in a tragic mining accident in South Africa during the ongoing “Operation Vala Umgodi,” Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
In a statement released yesterday, the ZRP confirmed that this appeal follows a formal request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, after official communication from South African authorities. Efforts are now underway to ensure the victims are identified and their remains are repatriated to Zimbabwe for a dignified burial.
The accident, which claimed the lives of Zimbabwean nationals believed to have been involved in mining activities, has left a trail of devastation. While full identification is still in progress, preliminary information strongly indicates that all the deceased are Zimbabwean citizens. The ZRP has since released a list of the victims whose identities have been verified to varying degrees.
Among those confirmed dead are Bothwell Mlambo, Bobo Sithole—whose next of kin has been identified as Maggie Dziva—Gladman Mlambo, Blessing Mlambo, and an individual known only as Shepherd, whose surname is yet to be established. Also among the deceased is Kenisa Majoni, with his brother Shadhi Maji listed as the next of kin, as well as Benard Mamombe and Trust Makitisa, whose family has been identified as Meshack Ziyaduma and Lazarus Ziyaduma.
The tragedy also claimed the life of Jairosi Pasa, with his family contacts confirmed as Simon Maronga, Enes Mahachi, and Kenas Pasi. Other victims include Moses Chidumba, Thomas Chipanza, Jack Mlambo Maeza—whose next of kin is Joseph Mlambo—and Edzai Mlambo Maeza. Additionally, Make Mlambo, connected to Kenas Mlambo, and Pindirai Dumbarimwe, also linked to Kenas Mlambo, have been identified among the deceased.
Further names on the list include Tendai Mubaiba, Mebishengs Mutubuki, Tinashe Shangure, Tafadzwa Ndlovu, and Justice Mwapinda. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to obtain full particulars for those individuals whose identities remain incomplete.
Speaking on behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, appealed to members of the public to assist in this critical identification process. He urged anyone with information related to the deceased individuals or their families to urgently contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or to use the ZRP’s WhatsApp line at 0712 800197. Members of the public can also report any helpful information to their nearest police station.
Commissioner Nyathi highlighted the importance of public cooperation in bringing closure to the affected families and ensuring the dignified return of their loved ones. The ZRP emphasised its commitment to informing the public as more information becomes available.
This incident has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the dangers faced by Zimbabweans working in unsafe and often illegal mining operations across borders. For many families, the search for better livelihoods has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. The task now lies in ensuring that the deceased are afforded the dignity of identification and a proper burial back home.
