The two
survivors surfaced from underground shafts carrying the remains of a deceased
compatriot, who had succumbed to starvation and dehydration after enduring
weeks without adequate food and water.
According to
the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa, at least 20 Zimbabwean nationals
tragically lost their lives after being trapped in the abandoned gold mine.
The mine had
become a haven for “zama zamas” — illegal miners — who were caught underground
when the authorities sealed off access points during their operation.In an
interview with The Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa Mr David
Hamadziripi said the Government had initiated the process of identifying
families of the deceased.
The authorities
are expected to soon commence tracing relatives of the deceased who can confirm
the identity of their loved ones or provide materials required for DNA testing
where necessary.
“So far, there
is nothing new except for two more Zimbabweans who emerged over the weekend and
one deceased who they brought out,” said Amb Hamadziripi.
“The process of
identifying the families of the deceased is ongoing.”
The disaster
has claimed 87 lives of various nationals from across the SADC region.
The Zimbabwean
embassy recently dispatched officials from the consulate in Johannesburg to
work with South African authorities to identify affected Zimbabwean nationals
and gather information to facilitate the identification of the deceased and
survivors. Sunday Mail
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