ZRP Names Zimbabweans Killed in SA Mine Disaster

ZRP Names Zimbabweans Killed in SA Mine Disaster-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed receiving a formal request from South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to help locate and identify relatives of 20 Zimbabweans who died during the recent crackdown on illegal mining, known as Operation Vala Umgodi.

The victims, believed to have perished in an underground mine collapse, were part of a group involved in illegal mining activities in South Africa.

Their bodies remain unclaimed in South African mortuaries as authorities seek to identify next of kin.

In a statement released Monday, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:

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“We are working closely with South African authorities to ensure the victims are identified and their families are notified. The public’s assistance is crucial in this tragic matter.”

The police have since released the names of the deceased, noting that many remain without known next of kin and without surnames or known family contacts, further complicating the identification process.

Only a few have been partially linked to relatives.

Below is a partial list of the deceased and the few known relatives:

Name             Surname                   Next of Kin

Bothwell        Mlambo                    Unknown

Bobo               Sithole                       Maggie Dziva

Gladman       Mlambo                    Unknown

Blessing         Mlambo                    Unknown

Sherpherd    Unknown                 Unknown

Kenisa            Majoni                       Shadhi Maji (Brother)

Bernard         Mamombe                Unknown

Trust               Makitisa                    Meshack Ziyaduma

Lazarus Ziyaduna

Jairosi             Pasa                            Simon Maronga

Enes Mahachi

Kenasi Pasi

Moses            Chiduma                   Unknown

Thomas         Chipanza                   Unknown

Jack                 Mlambo Maeza      Joseph Mlambo

Edzai               Mlambo Maeza      Unknown

Tendai            Mubaiba                   Unknown

Pindirai          Dumbarimwe         Kenas Mlambo

Mabishengs Mutubuki                 Unknown

Tinashe          Shangure                  Unknown

Tafadzwa      Ndlovu                      Unknown

Justice            Mwapinda               Unknown

Commissioner Nyathi added:

“Concrete information points to the fact that these individuals are Zimbabwean nationals. We appeal to anyone with knowledge of their relatives or associates to urgently contact the ZRP.”

The ZRP is urging members of the public who may recognize the names or know of relatives to assist in the process of repatriation and burial of the deceased.

Relatives and concerned parties are encouraged to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800197, or report to any nearest police station.

“This is not just about identification; it’s about giving closure to grieving families,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are ongoing.