HARARE – The Zimbabwean government has issued a call for assistance in identifying Zimbabwean nationals who died during “Operation Vala Umgodi” at the Stilfontein Mine in South Africa’s Northwest Province between August 2024 and January 2025.
Numerous bodies remain unidentified in South African mortuaries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has urged relatives and friends of missing individuals who may have been working in the affected area to come forward with any information that could help in the identification process.
This includes providing photographs, medical or dental records, identification documents, or any other distinguishing features.
Philisiwe Chidawanyika the Director Public Diplomacy, Communication and Advocacy Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying;
“Family members and friends, or anyone with missing relatives who were in the affected areas are urged to come forward and provide any information that could aid in the identification process.
“Those who might have information, on the missing and deceased and are in Zimbabwe, should visit the nearest Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Station or Provincial/District Social Welfare Offices of the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in Zimbabwe.
“Those who are in South Africa can contact the Zimbabwean Consulate in Johannesburg as soon as possible.
“Members of the public are urged to bring photographs, medical or dental records, identification documents, or any distinguishing details that could assist in confirming the identities of the deceased.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is committed to assisting all affected families in identifying their deceased, and ensuring repatriation of the remains for dignified burial,” Chidawanyika added.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police, as part of their ongoing “Vala Umgodi” operations targeting illegal mining, recovered four firearms and ammunition in Blyvooruitzicht, Carletonville, on February 17, 2025.
According to a statement by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner Gauteng, Intelligence-led searches of three abandoned houses yielded three handguns and a shotgun, along with ammunition and magazines.
Two suspected illegal miners, also foreign nationals, were arrested.
Authorities confiscated phendukas, an oxygen cylinder, and generators. The “Vala Umgodi” operations continue across the West Rand, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Sedibeng Districts, all areas impacted by illegal mining.
