Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
GRIEF hung heavy over Tsholotsho on Thursday as family, friends and villagers gathered to lay 23-year-old Mihla Sibanda to rest, bringing to an end a painful chapter that has shaken both his relatives and the wider Emakhandeni community.
The young man was buried at his rural home under Chief Deli, with many still struggling to come to terms with his sudden and tragic death.
Scores of mourners travelled from Bulawayo and surrounding areas to pay their final respects. Those who knew Mihla described his passing as a shocking loss that has left a deep wound.
Speaking after the burial, Mihla’s uncle, Justice Sibanda, said the family had been deeply touched by the support they received.
“We thought we would finish the burial proceedings by 11am, but the parents were overwhelmed by the love shown by everyone who assisted and supported us to ensure that everything was done properly,” said Sibanda.
He said the outpouring of support from residents, friends and other well-wishers had helped the family during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
The burial followed an unusual funeral wake and send-off held a day earlier at the Emakhandeni Firewood Market in
Bulawayo. Residents and family members gathered there to say their goodbyes before Mihla’s final journey home.
The sombre send-off on Wednesday drew large numbers of mourners, all united in grief and sympathy for the family.
The body viewing, held at the market itself, was a rare and emotional sight. Business came to a standstill as traders and residents paused their daily activities to hold a service under a temporary structure, reflecting on a young life cut short.
Mihla, who was unmarried and had no children, is believed to have died by suicide a day after a devastating fire destroyed the house where he was renting a room in Emakhandeni.
The decision to hold the wake at the market was guided by tradition, as those who die under such circumstances are not mourned at home.
This situation was made more difficult by the fact that Mihla’s grandfather, Jabulani Sibanda, for whom he worked, is also renting a room in Emakhandeni and could not host the gathering. As a result, the family’s firewood stall
became the only place where mourners could come together.
His father, Obious Sibanda, was overcome with grief as he recalled the last time he spoke to his son.
“He called me and said he missed me and wanted to see me. I said I would come and he sounded happy. I went about my business on the day and I received a call that he was missing and the house he was staying in had caught fire. I then tried to look for him, but unfortunately the next day I received the call that he was gone,” said Sibanda.
Despite their loss, he said the family was grateful for the support they received from the community and the Government through the Department of Civil Protection.
Friends described Mihla as a calm and friendly young man who got along well with others and was well liked.
Bernard Chipanga, who worked with him, said his colleague’s absence would be deeply felt.
A relative, Makhosi Nsingo, said Mihla’s death had been painful for the family.
“The way he died has deeply hurt me. I will surely remember him for being respectful,” said Mr Nsingo.
Wealthman Sibanda added: “This is a big tragedy to lose Mihla. He was a hard worker and had no qualms with anyone. He has left us hurt.”
Many residents who attended Wednesday’s send-off said they felt a duty to stand with the family during their time of grief. Some offered words of comfort to Mihla’s father, while others quietly reflected on the tragedy.
As the vehicle carrying the coffin prepared to leave for Tsholotsho, mourners gathered for final prayers and songs, bringing the market to a standstill.
What is usually a busy trading space was transformed into a place of mourning, as the community came together to bid farewell to one of their own.
