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Nokuthaba Mathema Chronicle Reporter
FIVE members of the same family, who were killed when their house caught fire in Pumula South in Bulawayo on Tuesday, were buried yesterday at West Park Cemetery in a moving ceremony. Four children aged between six months and five years were burnt beyond recognition in the fire while a mother to three of the children died at Mpilo Central Hospital on Thursday, from burns sustained when she tried to rescue the children.
Ms Motilia Tshuma (27) and her eldest child Nobuhle Mpofu (5) were buried next to each other at the adult cemetery while Brian (6 months), Kudzai (3) and their cousin Ashley Moyo (4) were buried at the children’s cemetery.
Mourners wept openly at the funeral service held at a local funeral parlour.
Only family members were allowed to do body viewing.
A sombre atmosphere engulfed the cemetery as relatives and friends sorrowfully paid their last respects with the mourners avoiding eye contact.
The children’s uncle, Mr Hloniphani Moyo, who seemed to be struggling to hold back tears, expressed gratitude to members of the public who helped in burying the five family members.
He said the family had ruled out foul play.
“We are grateful to the residents, friends, relatives and everyone else who assisted in the burial of my sister and the four children.
“Despite still being shaken by this horribly shocking incident, we do not suspect any foul play because death is the destiny of all,” said an emotional Mr Moyo.
He thanked residents for chipping in with blankets, moral support and food after the family lost everything in the fire.
A tearful vice-chairperson of Pumula South Residents Association, Mrs Daisy Ncube, said residents had never witnessed a tragedy of such mind numbing proportions.
The tragedy united political rivals, Zanu-PF and MDC who also turned up to mourn with the family.
Addressing scores of mourners, Zanu-PF Central Committee member Cde Molly Mpofu urged people to put political differences aside, saying the spirit of togetherness must prevail.
“We are gathered here to bid farewell to the family members that died under unfortunate circumstances. In such times, it is important that people put political party differences aside and unite to achieve the goal of assisting the bereaved.
“We are here as Zanu-PF on behalf of President Mugabe and he is also mourning with you as well,” said Cde Mpofu.
Zanu-PF candidate for Pumula National Assembly Constituency Cde Godfrey Malaba donated four coffins, 50kgs of rice, blankets, plates and cups while MDC Pumula South candidate for ward 27 Mr Edwin Ndlovu donated groceries worth $200.
The body of the eldest child was found at the window where she seemed to have been trying to escape.
Neighbours used stones to knock the frames open because they had been “welded” shut by the heat.
All documents, including birth certificates for most of the family, educational certificates and National Identity cards were burnt in the inferno that was caused by a candle that had been left burning when family members fell asleep.
The family had been gathered at a funeral wake at house Number 24381 after burying the mother of one of the victims on Sunday, when tragedy struck.
Online Reporter