Online Reporter
Mathew Masinge
The family of slain broadcast journalist Cordelia Masalethulini is urging police to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death.
Cordelia’s elder sister, Brita Masalethulini — a former Miss Malaika — yesterday said the family was awaiting the investigation’s conclusion before proceeding with her burial.
WATCH: Masalethulini family calls for justice, closure
Cordelia’s half-naked body was discovered along Borrowdale–Domboshava Road on January 5, leaving her family in shock and grief.
The prime suspect in the case, Cordelia’s boyfriend, Fungai Quintone Tawengwa, has since appeared in court charged with her murder and is due back for routine remand next Thursday.
In a candid interview, Brita expressed her family’s quest for credible answers before laying Cordelia to rest.
“As a family, we are looking for answers so that we can reconcile what led to Cordelia’s death. To say that we are standing strong is a lie; I am struggling day and night, I can’t sleep,” she said.
“Whenever I look at her daughter, I think to myself, how am I going to deal with everything in her absence alone?”
Brita emphasised the importance of understanding the truth.
“We want answers that make sense to us — something plausible and solid. That is why we have allowed the authorities to do what they do best to establish the cause of death. We can’t bury someone without knowing what happened,” she said.
She called on anyone with information about Cordelia’s death to approach the police or the family.
“We are not witch-hunting; we want to uncover what happened. My sister has perished, and we urge anyone with information to assist us in finding the truth. If anyone can provide tangible information to us or the investigating officers, we welcome it.
“We seek clarity and want the authorities to pay close attention to detail, as someone out there might possess critical information about what happened.”
The Masalethulini family has also cautioned against those trying to twist the narrative surrounding Cordelia’s death.
“I wish to address misconceptions arising from my sister’s passing and share our perspective as a family. This has been a devastating blow to us,” Brita said.
“We trust the authorities to provide credible answers. If foul play is involved, we want those responsible to be brought to justice.”
She pointed out that Cordelia was found by the roadside, indicating the possibility of being hit by a vehicle, which itself would be a criminal offence.
“We still have no idea who might have done it, and we seek resolution in this case,” she added.
The family has specific questions they want answered, such as why Cordelia’s body was discovered half-naked, where her shoes were, why the suspect’s clothing had blood stains, and whether an alleged argument between Cordelia and her boyfriend contributed to her death.
Describing her sister, Brita characterised Cordelia as a loving person whose life was deeply rooted in Christianity and who positively impacted those around her.
The family remains resolute in its search for justice and closure as it awaits the outcome of the police investigation.
