Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has released the names of 20 Zimbabwean nationals, who perished in a mining disaster in South Africa, following the completion of a verification process conducted by the country’s embassy.
In the aftermath of the incident, which occurred in January, Zimbabwe’s embassy deployed a team to collaborate with the South African government to determine whether any Zimbabwean nationals had been rescued or had died at Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein.
A total of 87 individuals of various alleged nationalities are believed to have lost their lives in the disaster at the mine, located in the North West Province. Most of the victims were artisanal miners.
Numerous illegal miners were reportedly trapped underground, with many opting to remain below the surface for fear of arrest, following the launch of an operation dubbed Vala Umgodi, aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the deaths of the following individuals: Bothwell Mlambo, Bobo Sithole, Gladman Mlambo, Blessing Mlambo, Shepherd (surname unknown), Kenisa Majoni, Bernard Mamombe, Trust Makitisa, Jairosi Pasa, Thomas Chipanza, Jack Mlambo Maeza, Edzai Mlambo Maeza, Mike Mlambo, Pindirai Dumbarimwe, Tendai Mubaiba, Mebishengs Mutubuki, Tinashe Shangure, Tafadzwa Ndlovu and Justice Mwapinda.
He stated that the police had received a request from South African authorities, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, to assist in locating and identifying the relatives of the deceased Zimbabweans.
“The bodies are yet to be claimed by their next of kin. Some victims’ full details are still to be established, but credible information confirms they are Zimbabwean nationals. The co-operation of relatives will aid in the identification of the victims and the repatriation of the bodies for burial in Zimbabwe. We appeal to relatives and friends of the victims to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712800197, or report to any nearest police station,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, recently stated that identification of the deceased would be confirmed through DNA testing of their relatives. He urged Zimbabweans, who suspect that their relatives may be among those rescued or deceased at Stilfontein, to urgently contact the Consulate in Johannesburg.
Concerned individuals may use the following contact details:
Hotline/Emergency Line: +27 61 037 3400
Or visit the consulate in person at:
20 Ernest Oppenheimer Avenue, Bruma, Johannesburg
