A Zimbabwean family is facing a painful reality for many migrants in South Africa. Rising costs are making home burials unaffordable. As a result, families struggle to return loved ones after death.
Three brothers, Shein Moyo, Shelton Moyo, and Mike Nkala, were killed in a shooting. Unknown gunmen opened fire outside a tuck shop. The attack happened in Jeffsville, Atteridgeville, on Wednesday. Five people died in total.
Transport costs create a new crisis
Police are still investigating the killings. Meanwhile, the family now faces another emergency. They must move the bodies to Zimbabwe for burial.
“It’s devastating, hard to believe,” said Lucky Mncube, the uncle of the deceased as reported by IOL.
He said the family cannot afford the transport costs. The problem has therefore shifted from grief to survival.
Rules increase the total bill
Mncube said each body costs at least R20 000 to transport. That means the three brothers cost about R60 000. However, regulations make it even harder to cope.
“Each one must be transported separately. The law does not allow two bodies in one vehicle,” Mncube explained. “We don’t have that money.”
The brothers survived through piece jobs. They also sent small amounts home when possible. Now, their deaths have removed both income and burial support.
A mother waits for answers and closure
Back in Zimbabwe, their mother is waiting for her sons. She wants them returned for burial. She also wants answers about what happened.
“What is painful is that their mother back home is also seeking answers from us and we don’t know what to tell her because we are also in the dark,” said Mncube.
For many Zimbabwean families, burial at home remains a cultural duty. When burials are delayed, grief often grows heavier. Families may also feel they have failed their loved ones.
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The post Zimbabwean brothers killed in SA: When tragedy comes with a heavy bill appeared first on iHarare News.
