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Zimbabwe begins verification of dead Stilfontein mine zama zamas
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The Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa has dispatched a team of forensic experts and other specialists to collaborate with South African authorities in verifying the identities and nationalities of victims involved in the Stilfontein mine disaster.
The tragic incident at Buffelsfontein Mine in North West Province claimed the lives of 87 artisanal miners, while others were rescued. Though the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed, early indications suggest some may be Zimbabwean nationals, as several survivors are reportedly from Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, confirmed that the verification process is underway.
"The Embassy wishes to inform members of the public that it is working closely with the South African government to identify and verify the nationalities of the alleged Zimbabwe nationals retrieved from the Buffelsfontein Mine," Ambassador Hamadziripi said in a statement.
In addition to identifying the deceased through DNA testing with the assistance of relatives, the embassy is also screening 465 individuals in South African Police Service (SAPS) custody for verification of their Zimbabwean citizenship.
Hamadziripi urged Zimbabweans who suspect their relatives may be among the victims or survivors to contact the Consulate in Johannesburg for assistance.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean government is making arrangements to support the repatriation of remains positively identified as Zimbabwean.
The country's consul-general in Johannesburg, Eria Phiri, disclosed that 10 rescued Zimbabweans had already appeared in court, receiving fines of R15,000 or six-month suspended sentences for illegal mining. They have since been deported back to Zimbabwe.
Phiri also noted that further interviews would be conducted with survivors to determine whether additional Zimbabweans were among those who perished in the mine.
The disaster has highlighted the dangerous and often illicit nature of artisanal mining, with many miners choosing to remain underground for fear of arrest despite the life-threatening conditions.
This incident underscores the need for both nations to address the broader issues surrounding illegal mining, including the safety of miners and the regulation of artisanal mining activities.
The tragic incident at Buffelsfontein Mine in North West Province claimed the lives of 87 artisanal miners, while others were rescued. Though the identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed, early indications suggest some may be Zimbabwean nationals, as several survivors are reportedly from Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, confirmed that the verification process is underway.
"The Embassy wishes to inform members of the public that it is working closely with the South African government to identify and verify the nationalities of the alleged Zimbabwe nationals retrieved from the Buffelsfontein Mine," Ambassador Hamadziripi said in a statement.
In addition to identifying the deceased through DNA testing with the assistance of relatives, the embassy is also screening 465 individuals in South African Police Service (SAPS) custody for verification of their Zimbabwean citizenship.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean government is making arrangements to support the repatriation of remains positively identified as Zimbabwean.
The country's consul-general in Johannesburg, Eria Phiri, disclosed that 10 rescued Zimbabweans had already appeared in court, receiving fines of R15,000 or six-month suspended sentences for illegal mining. They have since been deported back to Zimbabwe.
Phiri also noted that further interviews would be conducted with survivors to determine whether additional Zimbabweans were among those who perished in the mine.
The disaster has highlighted the dangerous and often illicit nature of artisanal mining, with many miners choosing to remain underground for fear of arrest despite the life-threatening conditions.
This incident underscores the need for both nations to address the broader issues surrounding illegal mining, including the safety of miners and the regulation of artisanal mining activities.
Source - NewZimbabwe
