Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has strongly condemned all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), saying the deaths of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters should strengthen the country’s resolve to end violence against women and girls.
The Ministry’s condolence message was issued after Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42) and her daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), were laid to rest side by side at Old Luveve Cemetery in Bulawayo on Monday, where hundreds of mourners gathered to bid an emotional farewell to the trio whose deaths in the United Kingdom last month shocked Zimbabweans at home and abroad.
The three were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on July 6. A post-mortem examination confirmed they died from blunt force trauma.
Their bodies were repatriated from the United Kingdom before an emotional funeral attended by hundreds of mourners, Government officials, family members and friends. Thousands more followed the service through a live stream.
In a statement released after the burial, the Ministry said Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Deputy Ministers Dr Jennifer N Mhlanga and Honourable Kiven Mutimbanyoka, Permanent Secretary Dr Mavis Sibanda, chief directors, directors and the entire staff joined the nation in mourning the loss.
“The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Sen. Monica Mutsvangwa, Deputy Ministers Honourable Dr Jennifer N. Mhlanga and Honourable Kiven Mutimbanyoka, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mavis Sibanda, Chief Directors, Directors and the entire staff of the Ministry join the nation, as well as the Khumalo and Tshuma families, in mourning the tragic loss of Nothabo Khumalo and her daughters, Natalie and Nala,” read part of the statement.
The Ministry described the tragedy as a profound loss not only to the bereaved families but also to the people of Zimbabwe.
“As a Ministry mandated to promote gender equality, safeguard the rights and welfare of women and girls, and lead national efforts to eradicate gender-based violence, we are deeply disturbed by this incident.”
The Ministry said it unequivocally and strongly condemns all forms of gender-based violence.
“Should investigations establish that this tragedy resulted from gender-based violence, it would represent yet another painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women and girls and the urgent need for society to reject such acts without exception.
“Gender-based violence has no place in our homes, communities or society. It is a gross violation of human rights and undermines the values of peace, dignity, equality and respect that Zimbabwe upholds.”
The Ministry said the tragedy comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate its commitment to ending gender-based violence through the High-Level Political Compact on Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices, signed by President Mnangagwa.
It said the Compact reflects Government’s commitment at the highest political level to prevent and respond to GBV, strengthen accountability and accelerate coordinated action to ensure women and girls live free from violence.
“The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for sustained collective action to uphold the commitments of the High-Level Political Compact and foster a national culture of zero tolerance for GBV.
“The Ministry calls upon all Zimbabweans to reject violence in all its forms and to resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue, mutual respect and lawful means.”
The Ministry extended its heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo and Tshuma families.
“During this difficult period, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo and Tshuma families and all those affected by this tragic loss. We pray that they find strength, comfort and solace as they grieve.”
The deaths of Nothabo and her daughters sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe and the diaspora, sparking renewed calls for stronger action to end gender-based violence and protect women and children.
Meanwhile, Nothabo’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, remains in custody in South Africa awaiting the outcome of extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom, where prosecutors have authorised three murder charges against him.
