Contractor in court after murder of female mine manager

According to a press release by the provincial police, Ms Zwane’s Toyota bakkie was still idling when she was found.
She had bullet wounds on her upper body. According to a reliable source, she was shot in the chest and head.

Two days after her murder a suspect was arrested and appeared in the Carolina Magistrates’ Court regarding the matter.
Bail was denied for Xolani Sydney Simelane during his first appearance, and he will be in court tomorrow again for his formal bail application.

Mr Ben Nolan, a resident of Middelburg and Chief Operating Officer of Vaalbult Mining Company (VMC) between Hendrina and Carolina, expressed his shock and disbelief about the murder of Ms Zwane.

He said that Zanele was a young Safety Officer 10 years ago when they started the mine, “She worked herself up to become the mine manager at Vaalbult. I saw her grow into a strong woman, a star at our company. We appointed her as manager, and she was only the manager for 10 days when she was fatally shot.”

He said the attackers, believed it could have been four of them, ambushed Ms Zwane at her house, “She was on her way to work that morning, and they shot her through her vehicle’s window. According to the police, there must have been two or more if you look at the bullet casings that were found on the scene.”

Mr Nolan mentioned how proud Zanele was, together with the management team, because the mine is celebrating 10 accident-free years this year, “She was part of the team who worked so hard to achieve this big achievement! Zanele and we were all busy planning a special celebration.”

Mr Nolan said he was busy organising trauma counselling for all their workers and contractors because everybody was traumatised by her sudden death when the second shock hit with the arrest of Simelane, “Mr Simelane is the Contract Manager for the Mining Contractor and VMC!”

According to Mr Nolan, Simelane was recently temporarily suspended by Ms Zwane (from January 22 – 29).

He said the reasons for the suspension were poor work performance, lack of standards, failure to supply reports and insubordination, “It was rather just a ‘time out’ thing, and Mr Simelane would have started working the next Monday.”

• Her funeral service was held at Ukhamba Lobuntu (next to Gholfsig).

Zanele’s Obituary

“Zanele Euginia Zwane, fondly known as ‘Mafeshini’, was born on the 1st of November 1987 at Bank Colliery.
She did her primary education at Imbhabala Combined School and matriculated at Kriel High School.

She obtained her Secretarial Diploma in 2008 and went to TR Consultants where she obtained her diploma as a Safety Officer.

Zanele started her career as a Safety Officer at Coal of Africa and Vuna Enterprises and was also a Safety Officer at Amatala Blasting Services and Opsicol.

She was a committed member of the following:
• Alternative Regional Tripartite (DMR).
• Occupational Health and Safety Policy.
• Council Member of the SACESHA.

Zanele was also a qualified Blaster.

She was an OHS Manager at Vaalbult Mining and was recently appointed as Mine Manager at Vaalbult Mining, when she met her untimely death.

Zanele was a champion for healthy living as she was a coach and supplier of Herbal Life.
Furthermore, she was also currently developing a football club.

She is survived by her beautiful daughter, Buhle, four sisters, niece, nephew and brother.

Zanele will be sadly missed by everyone she touched with her smile and kind heart.
Rest in peace Zanele, Ma’Zwane, Mama Buhle.”