Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE family of the late Zandile Tshuma (née Khumalo) is hoping to lay her and her two daughters to rest in Zimbabwe, with plans for the funeral expected to take shape once UK authorities release the bodies for repatriation.
Speaking to B-Metro, on behalf of the family, Zandile’s uncle, Mr Leon Leroy Khumalo, said while no dates had been set, the family’s wish was for the three to be buried back home to allow relatives to find closure following the tragedy.
He said the family was still navigating legal and administrative processes in the United Kingdom before funeral arrangements could be finalised.
“At the moment I cannot give you a full view of what is going to happen since the bodies of our loved ones are still in the UK,” said Mr Khumalo.
“Once we get further information, we will know whether they will be released early to us so that we can start working on the funeral proceedings.”
Mr Khumalo said the family had already begun preliminary preparations, including seeking quotations for funeral-related services in both Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, although everything remained dependent on the completion of official procedures.
“We don’t know exactly when the bodies will be released by the coroner and when they will be handed over to the funeral parlour to start preparing the repatriation of the three bodies, if that is going to happen,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, Mr Khumalo said Zandile’s parents were determined to have their daughter and granddaughters buried in Zimbabwe.
“The parents are really keen that the remains of their loved ones lie in this country so that they can have closure of this whole episode,” he said.
If the family’s wishes are realised, the funeral is expected to be held in Zimbabwe, with relatives saying they will announce the burial programme once repatriation arrangements have been confirmed.
Mr Khumalo appealed for continued prayers and support, saying the family remained devastated by the loss but was drawing strength from the outpouring of sympathy from Zimbabweans at home and abroad.
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