Online Reporter
Temba Dube
THE Khumalo and Magonya families have turned their devastating loss into a rallying cry against gender-based violence (GBV), saying the deaths of Nothabo Tshuma and her two daughters must help save other women and children from violence.
The message comes after Nothabo, Natalie and Nala were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, in the United Kingdom, on July 6.
Their deaths shocked Bulawayo, with the three eventually brought home and buried at Luveve Cemetery on August 4.
Nothabo’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, is facing murder charges in Britain and remains in South African custody as extradition proceedings continue.
In an emotional statement following the burial of Nothabo, 42, Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala, family spokesperson Leon Leroy Khumalo told B-Metro that their deaths should not mark the end of their story, but the beginning of a wider conversation about protecting women and children.
“As a family, we hope that their legacy will contribute to a wider and lasting commitment to protecting women and children, confronting gender-based violence, strengthening families and communities,” Khumalo said.
He said the tragedy should force society to confront GBV more openly and without fear.
“Without prejudicing any ongoing legal processes, we believe that the loss of Nothabo, Natalie and Nala should challenge all of us, as families, communities, churches, institutions and society, to speak more openly about gender-based violence and the safety of women and children,” he said.
The family urged people to stop ignoring red flags and open lines of dialogue and healing when someone says they are afraid.
“We must learn to recognise the warning signs. We must listen when someone says they are afraid. We must create safe spaces for people to seek help,” Khumalo said.
He stressed that children must also be taught that violence has no place in relationships.
“We must teach our children that love should never be associated with fear, control or violence. And wherever possible, we must intervene early enough to protect life,” he said.
The family was careful not to prejudice the ongoing legal process, instead using the tragedy to highlight the broader social crisis surrounding violence against women and children.
Khumalo said the family hoped their deaths could become a catalyst for change.
“If the memory of Nothabo, Natalie and Nala can help another woman to speak, another child to be protected, another family to recognise danger, or another community to act before it is too late, then their light will continue to shine far beyond this moment of grief,” he said.
His call echoed concerns raised during the burial by Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution
Judith Ncube, who warned that GBV was getting out of hand.
“Marriage is supposed to be little heaven on earth but our homes are hell,” Ncube said, urging communities, churches and families to confront violence. She called for stronger community programmes to fight GBV, saying Zimbabwe had successfully mobilised against HIV and could similarly unite against violence.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart also described the loss as devastating, saying the thought of burying children and grandchildren was beyond comprehension. The Khumalo and Magonya families, wish for the pain to become purpose.
“Their lives mattered. Their dreams mattered. Their voices mattered. And their memory must continue to matter,” Khumalo said.
He said their desired legacy was one of “love, dignity, protection, awareness and a collective stand against gender-based violence”.
With three graves now holding a mother and her two daughters, the family’s plea is: “listen, speak up and act before it is too late.”
