Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police have released the names of 20 citizens who perished during South Africa’s controversial Operation Vala Umgodi, a months-long crackdown on illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, near Johannesburg.
At least 78 people died, with human rights groups attributing the deaths to starvation and harsh conditions after authorities cut off food and supplies to the miners.
The operation, which began in August 2023 and ended in January 2024, saw 246 survivors rescued—many severely malnourished.
Victims Yet to Be Claimed
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that South African authorities had requested assistance in locating the victims’ next of kin.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has received a request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to help identify relatives of Zimbabweans who died in the mine during Operation Vala Umgodi,” Nyathi said.
“Some victims’ full details are still unknown, but evidence confirms they are Zimbabweans. We urge families to come forward to assist in repatriating the bodies for burial.”
List of the Deceased
The identified victims include:
- Bothwell Mlambo (no known next of kin)
- Bobo Sithole (Maggie Dziva)
- Gladman Mlambo (unknown)
- Blessing Mlambo (unknown)
- Shepherd (surname unknown)
- Kenisa Majoni (brother: Shadhi Maji)
- Benard Mamombe (unknown)
- Trust Makitisa (Meshack & Lazarus Ziyaduma)
- Jairosi Pasa (Simon Maronga, Enes Mahachi, Kenas Pasi)
- Moses Chidumba (unknown)
- Thomas Chipanza (unknown)
- Jack Mlambo Maeza (Joseph Mlambo)
- Edzai Mlambo Maeza (unknown)
- Make Mlambo (Kenas Mlambo)
- Pindirai Dumbarimwe (Kenas Mlambo)
- Tendai Mubaiba (unknown)
- Mebishengs Mutubuki (unknown)
- Tinashe Shangure (unknown)
- Tafadzwa Ndlovu (unknown)
- Justice Mwapinda (unknown)
Operation Vala Umgodi: A Controversial Crackdown
The South African police operation targeted illegal miners, mostly foreign nationals, in disused shafts. Of the 1,907 miners who surfaced, 1,125 were Mozambican, 465 Zimbabwean, and only 26 South African. Survivors faced charges including illegal mining, trespassing, and immigration violations.
However, human rights groups condemned the operation as “brutal and inhumane.”
“This was a campaign of lies and dehumanization,” said Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa).
“These miners were desperate, not criminals deserving of such cruelty.”
Call for Families to Come Forward
Relatives of the deceased are urged to contact:
- ZRP National Complaints Desk: (0242) 703631
- WhatsApp: 0712 800197
- Nearest Police Station
Authorities warn that identifying some remains may be difficult, as many were found in advanced stages of decomposition.
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