14-05-2025
Operation Vala Umgodi: Zimbabwe names nationals who died in Stilfontein
The Zimbabwean government has released the names of 20 of its nationals who died during South Africa's controversial Operation Vala Umgodi, a months-long clampdown on illegal mining that turned deadly.
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
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