‘This is our peace offering’ Father forgives killer driver

IN a profound moment of raw grief and extraordinary grace, the father of Zinhle Mnkandla, a Form Three pupil tragically killed by a kombi on Friday, embraced the very driver responsible for his daughter’s death at her funeral service, yesterday.

Amidst the heavy sorrow at Bulawayo’s Pelandaba Seventh-Day Adventist Church, with Mr Tatenda Pondo, the driver, also present among a large gathering of mourners — including schoolchildren, church members, family, and community members — Zinhle’s heartbroken father, Mr Zibusiso Saunyama, addressed the congregation with remarkable composure. He declared his profound forgiveness, stating that no charges would be pressed: “It was not his intention.”

The atmosphere at the church was heavy with grief. Zinhle’s mother, Ms Erica Nhliziyo, overwhelmed by emotion, was unable to speak, her eyes brimming with tears and her body trembling with sorrow.

Mr Saunyama, though visibly heartbroken, delivered his powerful message of acceptance and peace.

“I’m heartbroken, but I have to be strong. Zinhle was a young, beautiful girl with good morals. She loved to sing — she was always singing, even at home. We have lost a good girl, and only God knows why. He alone holds the answers,” he said.

Moments after mourners arrived at Luveve Cemetery, a heavy silence fell as Mr Saunyama stepped forward. With a voice trembling between grief and resolve, he called out for the Pondo family, the family of the kombi driver involved in the accident. His tone, firm and clear, cut through the stillness, momentarily stirring confusion among the crowd.

Then, from behind the gathering, the kombi driver slowly emerged, his face streaked with tears.

He stood there, broken and exposed, as if awaiting judgment. But instead of anger, Zinhle’s father opened his arms and embraced him tightly.

Turning to the funeral parlour staff, he asked them to remove the flower arrangement that rested atop the coffin.

He then turned to the mourners and said: “No one is going to be charged for Zinhle’s death. As her father, I’m setting the driver free. It was not his intention.”

Taking the flower into his hands, he paused and looked at the driver. “Come,” he said softly. Together, father and driver walked to the coffin and laid the flowers down.

“This is our peace offering,” Zinhle’s father concluded. His actions moved the congregation deeply, bringing a sense of peace and solemn reflection to many.

Bulawayo Deputy Mayor, Edwin Ndlovu expressed his condolences and urged all drivers to exercise caution on the roads.

“Human life is precious, and being careful is a way to save lives. All commuter buses must be registered under recognised associations such as Bulawayo (City) Transit, Vuta, Tshova Mubaiwa and Bupta,” he said.

Born on August 26, 2009, Zinhle began her primary education at Pelandaba Seventh-day Adventist School, where she studied from Grade One to Grade Seven.

She joined the school choir in Grade Four, and her beautiful voice had since echoed through the church, singing her favourite hymns — now for the last time.

Her former primary school teacher fondly recalled Zinhle’s dedication to the choir.

“She would always come to me after school for choir practice. Her passion for music was inspiring. She had a gift, and it was a joy to nurture it. I’m deeply saddened because I last saw Zinhle on Thursday when she came for the juniors’ choir practice at Mpumelelo. I have lost a daughter,” she said.

Zinhle’s friend, Nyasha, spoke with a trembling voice, her words a testament to their bond.

“Zinhle was more than just a friend to me; she was like a sister. We shared countless memories, sang together in the choir, and supported each other through thick and thin. Her voice was a gift, and her smile could light up a room. I’ll miss her dearly, and her absence will be felt deeply.

“But even in death, Zinhle will always remain in my heart. She taught me the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. I’ll carry her memory with me always.”