Operation Vala Umgodi: Zimbabwe names nationals who died in Stilfontein
The operation, which unfolded in Stilfontein, in the North West Province of South Africa, saw dozens of illegal miners trapped underground at a disused mine.
By the time authorities ended the standoff in January, many people had died, most likely from starvation, according to human rights groups.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that 20 of those who perished were Zimbabweans. Many of them had reportedly gone to South Africa in search of better economic opportunities.
'The Zimbabwe Republic Police has received a request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade from authorities in South Africa to assist in the location and identification of relatives of Zimbabweans who sadly perished in a mine during Operation Vala Umgodi recently,' national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
'The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases the names of the victims who died during the operation in South Africa. The bodies are yet to be claimed by the next of kin.'
Below is a list of 20 Zimbabweans who died during Operation Vala Umgodi. No. Name Surname Next of Kin 1 Bothwell Mlambo None 2 Bobo Sithole Maggie Dziva 3 Gladman Mlambo Unknown 4 Blessing Mlambo Unknown 5 Shepherd — Unknown 6 Kenisa Majoni Shadhi Maji (Brother) 7 Benard Mamombe Unknown 8 Trust Makitisa Meshack Ziyaduma, Lazarus Ziyaduma 9 Jairosi Pasa Simon Maronga, Enes Mahachi, Kenas Pasi 10 Moses Chidumba Unknown 11 Thomas Chipanza Unknown 12 Jack Mlambo Maeza Joseph Mlambo 13 Edzai Mlambo Maeza Unknown 14 Make Mlambo Kenas Mlambo 15 Pindirai Dumbarimwe Kenas Mlambo 16 Tendai Mubaiba Unknown 17 Mebishengs Mutubuki Unknown 18 Tinashe Shangure Unknown 19 Tafadzwa Ndlovu Unknown 20 Justice Mwapinda Unknown
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Police captain commits suicide after killing girlfriend and her brother
Gauteng police have opened an inquest docket in Protea after a police captain committed suicide after he allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend and her brother. The incident happened in Protea, Soweto, on Saturday night, 26 July. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Gauteng, colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said it is alleged that the group was at home celebrating the birthday of the captain's girlfriend, who is also a police officer. 'The captain reportedly called the girlfriend to the side, and that is when people saw him draw a firearm, and shoot her and her brother dead while three other civilians sustained injuries. He then turned the gun on himself,' Nevhuhulwi explained. Two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and an inquest docket were opened at Protea police station for further investigation. Meanwhile Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni expressed his sadness at this incident and sent his heartfelt condolences to the affected families. 'We give our members these tools to protect themselves against criminals, so it is very disheartening to see the very same tools being used to kill their loved ones. I urge our members to make use of employee health and wellness facilities to assist them to deal with any problems they may be facing, whether work or personal, EHW is always there', Mthombeni said. Recently, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) called on the SAPS to strengthen its mental health and wellness support programmes for officers, following a tragic incident involving one of its own. A female police constable, Ntombethemba Mgidi, appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate's Court on Monday, 22 July, after being arrested in connection with the fatal shootings of two fellow officers in the Mbayimbayi area near Murchison on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast last week. Both victims later died from their injuries at Murchison Hospital. 'This act of violence highlights the urgent need for SAPS to intensify internal wellness and psychological support programmes that help members manage relational and emotional pressures,' said POPCRU spokesperson Richard Mamabolo. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Will Mkhwanazi accept gift of cows from the public?
KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been promised two cows from a fundraising initiative that raised close to R50 000 by his supporters. But is he permitted to accept it as a gesture of gratitude? Earlier this month, notorious X troll Chris Excel launched a crowdfunding initiative to gift Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two cows as a 'token of appreciation.' The initiative was a hit, raising R44 000 for the top cop who went public with allegations of corruption within the police department. While some have claimed that accepting the gift would equate to 'bribery', officials say otherwise. KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, told The South African that police may accept gifts, for any reason, provided that they declare that it is not a gratification. 'There is a gift register in the SAPS that police officers sign to declare all gifts', he said. According to Excel, the BackaBuddy funds will be released once Mkhwanazi publicly acknowledges the gesture. Meanwhile, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has garnered widespread support – from the public to political parties – around South Africa. 'Hands off Mkhwanazi' has been a trending topic on social media, with many publicly pledging to support the KZN commissioner. South Africans have even threatened to riot and loot should any action be taken against him. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
New clues see SAPS rush back to Saldanha Bay in search of Joslin Smith
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched renewed search operations in Saldanha Bay as efforts to locate Joslin Smith continue, nearly 18 months after her disappearance. A heavy police presence was seen in the Middelpos informal settlement on Friday afternoon, with officers methodically sweeping through the area. The operation follows the emergence of new information that investigators believe could be crucial in the ongoing case. Joslin was first reported missing in February 2024, prompting widespread national concern and a large-scale search across the Western Cape. Despite arrests made in connection with the case, the young girl's whereabouts remain unknown. While authorities have not disclosed the specifics of the new lead, sources suggest it was compelling enough to warrant a renewed physical search of the Middelpos area – close to where Joslin was last seen. Police have declined to comment further, citing the sensitivity of the investigation. Residents of Saldanha Bay continue to cling to hope as the search enters yet another chapter. Friday's police operation brought a fresh sense of urgency and attention to a case that has weighed heavily on the local community and the nation at large. Joslin's story captured the hearts of many across South Africa, with calls for justice and clarity echoing for months. Posters bearing her image still line shop windows and lamp posts – a stark reminder of the unanswered questions that remain. As police continue their investigation, the country waits anxiously for a breakthrough that might finally bring Joslin home. Authorities have urged the public to report any relevant information, no matter how small, to local police stations or crime hotlines. No official statement had been issued by SAPS at the time of publishing. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
