Preparations are underway for the burial of Elvis Nyathi, who was killed by a vigilante group in South African’s Diepsloot township, a few days ago.
Mphathisi Ndlovu, a relative of the late domestic worker, said Zimbabwean authorities in South Africa have linked them to a funeral organization, which will conduct a free burial service.
Ndlovu said a representative of Zimbabwe’s Consulate in the country visited the family in the company of Zororo Phumulani Funeral Services.
He said, “Zororo Phumulani offered to cover all the costs of the funeral. So, we agreed with them yesterday, we met at their office in Randburg. We started the first step, which means we will continue tomorrow. They said if they are able to get hold of the body then they will give us three days (to finalize everything). Maybe on Thursday we will be taking the body by road to Zimbabwe. We are still asking for more assistance from people and companies.
“It looks like this has touched a lot of people in all parts of the world, here in South Africa, Zimbabwe, neighboring countries and Africa and other continents. People are so touched to the extent that they are willing to accompany the body when it’s being repatriated to Zimbabwe. So, (this can happen) if we get buses to transport people. A lot of people are not working. Maybe if we can get a bus or buses a lot of people will be willing to go and see their brother being laid to rest.”
Some South Africans say Zimbabweans are causing havoc in Diepsloot and other townships nationwide.
Thabang Molefe, a top member of the African National Congress Youth League, said Zimbabweans are giving them a hard time and as a result they should leave the township.
Molefe said, “Zimbabweans are killing us. Zimbabweans are entering (breaking into) our houses. I reside here. I know what I’m talking about. On Wednesday Pakistanians were locked inside their spazas. Pakistanians are not roaming around Diepsloot. Zimbabweans are roaming around as they please. We want Zimbabweans to leave. They must leave. I represent young people in this community. It is the very same young people that are coming to us saying ‘why are you allowing Zimbabweans to harass us’. Why are you allowing these Zimbabweans to kill us? They must leave.”
Nyathi's killers have not yet been arrested
Some Zimbabweans told VOA Studio 7 that they are being targeted for being foreigners as most of them are not criminals.
Many organizations and political parties in Zimbabwe and South Africa have condemned the killing of Nyathi. They are demanding that the perpetrators should be arrested.
Thuso Khumalo and Gibbs Dube contributed to this article