Bodies of four of the seven Zimbabweans based in South Africa who reportedly died last week after drinking alcohol suspected to have been poisoned, are being repatriated for burial in their rural home in Binga.
The four were identified as Sumukai Ngwenya, Khumbulani Tshuma, Takoniwa Tshuma and Jealous Muleya Ncube.
Speaking to CITE on Friday, Reason Tshuma a relative, confirmed that they were in the process of repatriating the bodies for burial in Zimbabwe.
“The four deceased all from the same family are leaving today (Friday) for burial in Zimbabwe, after the memorial service,” said Tshuma.
Zimbabwe’s consul-general to Johannesburg, Melody Chaurura, confirmed receiving a report on the incident.
“We received such a report from the deceased’s relatives although we did not get finer details of how the tragic development unfolded. The Consulate is facilitating the repartition of the deceased’s mortal remains to Zimbabwe as the requests are received. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and relatives of the deceased during this difficult time,” she said.
Zimbabwe Community in South Africa Spokesperson, Bongani Mazwi Mkhwananzi expressed gratitude to all well-wishers who came to the aid of the bereaved families.
“We would like to extend our thanks to members of our community who came through to assist the family and once again pass our sincerest condolences on this tragedy,” said Mkwananzi.
“We take this opportunity to plead with all our compatriots to adhere to lock-down regulations and refrain from purchasing restricted goods via back- door channels since their safety is evidently not guaranteed.
Contacted for a comment, Magaya 1 headman from ward 21 in Chisawu Village, Onias Tshuma said they are deeply saddened by the incident.
“As a village we are deeply saddened by this incident, we have never experienced such a horrific incident before. The whole village has been plunged into mourning,” said Headman Tshuma.
“I just heard that the deceased are leaving South Africa today (Friday), we are expecting them maybe tomorrow,” he said.
