Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu [email protected]
THE Khumalo family has expressed heartfelt gratitude to thousands of people, organisations and Government in Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and across the world who stood with them during the painful repatriation and burial of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters, Natalie and Nala, while expressing hope that the tragedy will leave a lasting legacy in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
In a statement released yesterday, the family said the overwhelming support they received transformed what had been an unimaginable journey of grief into one carried by a compassionate community that refused to let them mourn alone.
The statement comes days after the three were laid to rest at Luveve Cemetery in Bulawayo following an emotional funeral attended by hundreds of mourners, Government officials, church leaders and members of the public.
Nothabo (42), her daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5), were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, in the United Kingdom on July 6. Post-mortem examinations revealed they died from blunt force trauma.
Their deaths sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe and among the diaspora, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and financial support to help repatriate their bodies home.
Their bodies eventually arrived in Zimbabwe after flight disruptions delayed their journey from the United Kingdom, before they were driven from Harare to Bulawayo, where hundreds lined the route and later gathered to pay their final respects. The family’s statement reflects on that difficult journey.
“The journey from Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom, to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and finally to their resting place in Luveve, was one of unimaginable sorrow. Yet, in the midst of our grief, we witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of humanity — through love, compassion, prayer, financial assistance, practical support and the simple but powerful presence of people who chose to stand beside us. We will never forget it,” reads the statement.
The Khumalo family paid tribute to Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Judith Ncube, Senator Molly Mpofu and fellow senators, Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province, Emakhandeni-Luveve legislator Descent Bajila and ward councillor Greater Gumede for standing with the family during their bereavement.
They also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Embassy of Zimbabwe in the United Kingdom, the Ambassador and embassy staff, for facilitating the repatriation process, together with the Registrar-General’s Office in Harare for expediting the documentation needed to bring the bodies home.
The family further thanked Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube and the Bulawayo City Council for assisting with burial arrangements, as well as the Bulawayo Residents’ Association, Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-operative, the Brethren-in- Christ Church, church leaders from different denominations, the Luveve community, residents of Bulawayo and well-wishers from Zimbabwe and abroad.
“Every contribution mattered, every prayer strengthened us, every message brought comfort, every helping hand lightened a burden. Every person who stood with us reminded us that we were not alone,” the family said.
However, beyond expressing gratitude, the family said they hope the deaths of Nothabo and her daughters will become a turning point in the fight against GBV and the protection of women and children.
Without commenting on the ongoing legal processes, the family said society must learn from the tragedy by recognising warning signs of abuse, listening when people seek help and intervening before violence escalates.
“As a family, we hope that their legacy will contribute to a wider and lasting commitment to protecting women and children, confronting gender-based violence, strengthening families and communities, and creating spaces where those experiencing violence, fear or abuse can speak and be heard without shame or judgement,” it said.
The family added that if the memory of Nothabo, Natalie and Nala could help save even one life, then their deaths would leave behind a legacy far greater than tragedy.
“If the memory of Nothabo, Natalie and Nala can help another woman to speak, another child to be protected, another family to recognise danger, or another community to act before it is too late, then their light will continue to shine far beyond this moment of grief.”
The case remains before the courts in South Africa, where Nothabo’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma (45), is in custody following his arrest in Kingston near Johannesburg, after an international manhunt. He is facing extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom after British prosecutors authorised three counts of murder following the deaths of his wife and two daughters.
Concluding the statement, the family thanked every person who prayed, donated, travelled, cooked, organised, transported mourners or simply stood beside them during their darkest hour.
“Although our hearts remain heavy, we take comfort in knowing that we did not walk this painful journey alone.
“Siyabonga. Tatenda. Thank you. May Nothabo, Natalie and Nala always be remembered. May their lives continue to speak. May their memory inspire change, and may their legacy contribute towards a future in which women and children can live safely, freely and without fear.”
