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At least 20 Zimbabwean nationals tragically lost their lives after being trapped in the abandoned Stilfontein gold mine in South Africa, where they were stuck for weeks without sufficient food or water.
The disaster, which claimed 87 lives from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, involved illegal miners, or “zama zamas,” who were caught during a South African government crackdown on illegal mining operations.
The Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa has deployed officials to collaborate with local authorities to identify the deceased and survivors, and is coordinating efforts to trace relatives for identification or DNA testing, if necessary. Reports indicate many miners chose to remain underground during last year’s crackdown to avoid arrest. During the operation, 475 illegal miners were arrested, with efforts now focused on verifying their nationalities. (Afrogazette)
Online Reporter