Latest news with #ZRP
The South African
14-05-2025
- The South African
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 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.
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Zimbabwe police ramp up security as war veteran Blessed Geza calls for indefinite stay-away
Police in Zimbabwe say they are providing 'maximum security' on Tuesday and Wednesday following calls for a national stay-away made by expelled Zanu PF member Blessed Runesu Geza. Last month, IOL reported that Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu PF party insisted that protests that were previously announced by Geza for March 31 had not made much impact. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ At the time, Zanu PF argued that the protests dubbed the "national shutdown" were being hyped on social media platforms. On March 31, many Zimbabweans elected to stay at home, amid a massive deployment of security forces. In a fresh address from an unknown location, Geza, who insists he remains a senior member of Zanu PF, used social media platforms including X and YouTube to call for stay-aways on Tuesday and Wednesday. In another address, Geza later called for 'indefinite' stay-aways, insisting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was incapacitated and must leave office. The president of Zanu PF, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the incumbent President of Zimbabwe. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issued a statement on Monday, saying 'enough' officers have been deployed. 'The Zimbabwe Republic Police is ready to ensure that the public is free to engage in all socio-economic activities without fear, intimidation, threats, or harassment on 22 and 23 April 2025. The ZRP has deployed enough officers throughout the country to effectively maintain law and order including in central business districts, residential areas, industrial areas and all areas frequented by the public,' said Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement. 'In this regard, police will arrest anyone who interferes with the smooth flow of traffic and movement of the public.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Nyathi warned that Zimbabweans are cautioned against abuse of social media and urged to totally disregard social media postings meant to cause chaos and alarm in the country. The latest calls for stay-away happen at a time when the southern African nation is hosting the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), which kicked off in the second largest city of Bulawayo on Monday. The trade fair this year is expected to be attended by numerous foreign and diplomatic leaders, including a visit by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo. The police in Zimbabwe said all visitors and exhibitors will be safe. 'All local and foreign exhibitors attending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition forum are assured of their security and safety,' said Nyathi. 'The ZRP reiterates that it is ready to conduct its constitutional mandate without fear or favour. Any instigators of violence and disruption of the normal operation of the economy will be severely dealt with.' The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned against "abuse" of social media platforms, amid calls for stay-aways in the country. Last month, IOL reported that on several occasions, one of Zimbabwe's most wanted fugitives and outspoken war veteran Geza has been conducting live broadcasts on social media, calling on Zimbabwean communities to descend on the streets in protest against Mnangagwa's rule. Geza, a vociferous critic of Mnangagwa, was dismissed from Zanu PF for "undermining the authority of the president" and remains in hiding. Clad in camouflage regalia, Geza, in all his virtual addresses, has warned several people in government and Zanu PF positions that they would be 'dealt with'. Geza and a group of war veterans have been calling for Mnangagwa to step down, citing endemic corruption and mismanagement of the country's affairs.
