Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu [email protected]
THE recent tragic deaths of United Kingdom-based Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (nee Khumalo) and her two daughters, who were buried in Bulawayo on Tuesday, have renewed calls for stronger action against gender-based violence (GBV) and serve as a grim reminder of its devastating impact, which must strengthen Zimbabwe’s resolve to end violence against women and girls, Government has said.
Nothabo (42) and her daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), were laid to rest side by side at Old Luveve Cemetery in Bulawayo, where hundreds of mourners gathered to bid an emotional farewell to the trio whose deaths in the United Kingdom last month shocked Zimbabweans at home and abroad.
The three were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on July 6. A post-mortem examination confirmed they died from blunt force trauma.
Their bodies were repatriated from the United Kingdom before an emotional funeral attended by hundreds of mourners, Government officials, family members and friends. Thousands more followed the service through a live stream.
In a condolence message issued yesterday, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development mourned the loss of lives, saying the tragedy and similar incidents being recorded in homes should prompt introspection and galvanise renewed commitment to ending violence and preventing further loss of life.
“The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Sen. Monica Mutsvangwa, Deputy Ministers Honourable Dr Jennifer N. Mhlanga and
Honourable Kiven Mutimbanyoka, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mavis Sibanda, Chief Directors, Directors and the entire staff of the Ministry join the nation, as well as the Khumalo and Tshuma families, in mourning the tragic loss of Nothabo Khumalo and her daughters, Natalie and Nala,” said the ministry.
It described the tragedy as a profound loss not only to the bereaved families but also to the people of Zimbabwe.
“As a ministry mandated to promote gender equality, safeguard the rights and welfare of women and girls, and lead national efforts to eradicate gender-based violence, we are deeply disturbed by this incident.”
The ministry said it unequivocally and strongly condemns all forms of gender-based violence.
“Should investigations establish that this tragedy resulted from gender-based violence, it would represent yet another painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women and girls and the urgent need for society to reject such acts without exception.
“Gender-based violence has no place in our homes, communities or society. It is a gross violation of human rights and undermines the values of peace, dignity, equality and respect that Zimbabwe upholds.”
The ministry said the tragedy comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate its commitment to ending gender-based violence through the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices, signed by President Mnangagwa.
It said the Compact reflects Government’s commitment at the highest political level to prevent and respond to GBV, strengthen accountability and accelerate coordinated action to ensure women and girls live free from violence.
“The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for sustained collective action to uphold the commitments of the High-Level Political Compact and foster a national culture of zero tolerance for GBV.
“The ministry calls upon all Zimbabweans to reject violence in all its forms and to resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue, mutual respect and lawful means,” it said.
In a solemn address to mourners on Tuesday, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube described the rise in gender-based violence (GBV) in Bulawayo and the wider Matabeleland region as a worrying trend, questioning what has gone wrong in society.
“Marriage must be a small heaven on earth, but our homes have now turned into hell, and we are not sure what is happening. What has gone wrong and what have we been doing wrong as a people?” said Minister Ncube.
She said the statistics on GBV in Bulawayo and Matabeleland were a cause for concern.
“The statistics that we have on gender-based violence in Bulawayo are as if we have taken the cup, and in the Matabeleland region it is as if we are second. What has gone wrong and what have we been doing wrong as a people?” she said.
Ncube said recent cases of violence against women and children showed the need for communities to unite in fighting the scourge.
She also expressed concern over domestic violence cases, citing the recent killing of a woman in Nkulumane.
“Let us create home care programmes to stop this scourge. I call upon the city and the province to come together and pray to chase away the spirit of murder that is in this city,” said Minister Ncube.
Addressing the Tshuma family, she called for unity between the Tshuma, Khumalo and Magonya families as they deal with the tragedy.
“To the Tshuma family, you gave birth to flesh, but not to the soul. Come closer to the Khumalo and Magonya families. There is no household where there is a person who disappoints their parents.
“I call on the families to unite and stand together as people of Bulawayo and as people of Zimbabwe,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nothabo’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, remains in custody in South Africa awaiting the outcome of extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom, where prosecutors have authorised three murder charges against him.
