Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THE Government has repatriated the remains of Lucia Nhangwaza, a Zimbabwean national who died in South Africa, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring citizens who die outside the country are brought home with dignity.
Her body arrived at Doves Funeral Services in Beitbridge at about 11:30am on Thursday.
A memorial service was held at the funeral parlour, with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, leading proceedings and paying tribute to the late Nhangwaza.
Nhangwaza died on July 14 while being repatriated at the South African side of the Beitbridge Border Post.
Addressing mourners, Minister Moyo conveyed the Government’s condolences to the Nhangwaza family and the community, saying the State remained committed to assisting vulnerable Zimbabweans living abroad.
He said Government would continue to ensure that citizens who pass away outside the country’s borders are repatriated and accorded dignified burials.
Minister Moyo also commended officials who coordinated the repatriation process, describing it as a demonstration of Government’s commitment to the welfare of Zimbabweans wherever they may be.
The Minister said the successful repatriation was made possible through the collaboration of the Zimbabwe Embassy in Pretoria, the Department of Social Services and border management agencies at Beitbridge.
The late Nhangwaza’s remains will be transported to Chegutu for burial, with Government providing assistance towards the funeral arrangements. Officials from the Department of Social Services are working closely with the bereaved family to facilitate the process.
Minister Moyo said Government would continue to support citizens in distress outside the country and assist families in repatriating the remains of loved ones whenever the need arises.
