Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
A SOMBRE and heartbreaking atmosphere engulfed Dandadema Village in Nkayi, Matabeleland North Province, when a young mother and her two children who were allegedly murdered and burnt beyond recognition, were buried last Saturday.
The heinous crime that snuffed out the lives of 29-year-old Nomqhele Moyo and her two children, a girl aged eight and a two-year-old boy, occurred in a settlement in Tshepisong, Johannesburg, two weeks ago.
Nkayi South Member of Parliament, Jabulani Hadebe, said the victims were laid to rest in Ward 22 near Zenka Mission, a fortnight after their lives were cut short in a suspected murder and arson case.
The late Moyo had reportedly earlier received her share of social club contributions, also known as a “stokvel” and was allegedly attacked later at night in her home while sleeping with her children.
“We are told that Nomqhele was part of a group of women who pulled together money and gave each member a lump sum at the end of each month,” said the legislator who witnessed the burial.
“She received her contributions at the beginning of October and we understand that she was followed home by robbers.
“South African police determined that she, together with her children, were attacked, murdered and burnt beyond recognition. The charred bodies of Nomqhele and her youngest child had to be separated at the mortuary, a clear indication that she died trying to defend her children.”
A cousin to the deceased Ms Primrose Sibanda said the family believes Moyo could have identified her attackers, a fatal mistake that costs her and the children’s lives.
“Whoever attacked her must have known that she had received a lot of money from other club members and decided to follow her home.
“She must have recognised her attackers and they made a decision to silence her and kids for good by murdering the whole family and burning their bodies,” said Ms Sibanda.
“We are so traumatised as a family and still can’t believe that a young mother and her little kids were brutally murdered for a few thousands rand.
“The (robbers) could have just taken the money and let the family live. She was a hard working mother who would have replaced that money and continued taking care of her kids.”
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said cross border crimes are investigated in the country where the crimes are committed and in the case of the Moyo family, the South African authorities were mandated to investigate the alleged murder and arson.
