Zimbabweans in SA Seek Help To Repatriate Family Killed In Minister Convoy Crash
Zimbabweans living in South Africa have launched an urgent appeal for donations after a Zimbabwean family of three was killed in a horrific series of crashes in Limpopo Province involving a vehicle linked to South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.
Community leaders in Bela Bela say they are struggling to raise enough money to repatriate the bodies of Paul Masunda, his wife Beauty Shoperai and their one-year-old son Paul Junior back to Zimbabwe for burial.
The tragedy unfolded last Saturday on the N1 highway near Bela Bela.
According to reports published by NewZimbabwe.com and ZimLive, Masunda had just seen off his wife and child, who had boarded a Zimbabwe-bound bus, when he was struck and killed while crossing the road with his 14-year-old nephew.
Moments later, Beauty Shoperai reportedly rushed back towards the scene carrying her baby son after hearing about the accident involving her husband.
She and the child were then fatally struck by a vehicle linked to Motsoaledi’s convoy.
Community Scrambles To Raise Funeral Funds
The deaths have left Zimbabweans based in Bela Bela rallying together to assist the grieving family.
Community leader Confidence Wabvuta said transporting bodies from South Africa to Zimbabwe was extremely costly, especially for migrant families already facing financial hardship.
She said:
“We are the community leaders for the Zimbabweans based here in Bela Bela. When a Zimbabwean passes away we contribute for the funeral proceedings.”
Wabvuta explained that the community urgently needed financial assistance to transport the bodies to Zaka in Masvingo Province.
“We are in need of at least R25,000 (about US$1,360) to take the body from here to Zimbabwe, Masvingo, Zaka where the deceased come from.”
She added that the amount only covered transport costs for one body.
According to Wabvuta:
“The R25,000 is for one deceased person if they come from Masvingo and for those from Harare it is about R30,000 (about US$1,630) for carrying the remains only and the amount excludes what is required to facilitate paperwork.”
Teen Witness Left Traumatised
The family’s pain has been compounded by the trauma suffered by the 14-year-old nephew who witnessed both crashes.
Family spokesperson Rabson Masunda said the teenager was struggling emotionally after seeing his uncle, aunt and baby cousin die within a short space of time.
He reportedly said:
“The child is very, very devastated. I wish we can get a social worker who can go and try to speak to the child because we don’t know what he is feeling.”
Beauty Shoperai’s brother, Charles Shoperai, also spoke emotionally about the loss.
“I’m not feeling well, I’m feeling bad because this is happening to my family.”
South African police confirmed that two culpable homicide investigations had been opened following the crashes.
Police reportedly said the minister’s protection team stopped immediately after the collision and remained at the scene until emergency services arrived.
Zimbabweans Rally Around Grieving Family
The tragedy has sparked sympathy among Zimbabweans both in South Africa and back home, with many calling for support to help give the family a dignified burial.
Community members say every contribution could help ease the burden facing the relatives as they prepare to transport the bodies across the border.
The post Zimbabweans In SA Appeal For Help After Family Of 3 Dies In Crash Involving Minister Motsoaledi’s Vehicle appeared first on iHarare News.
