Family members in Tshamansi, Mokopane, mourn as Thabang Mokonyane’s body returns home from Zimbabwe.
This after the body of their 23-year-old son was finally brought back home from Zimbabwe.
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Thabang Mokonyane from Tshamansi in Mokopane was found dead in Zimbabwe on Thursday, 1 January, just days after crossing the border to visit his girlfriend.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Thabang’s aunt, Ramaisela Mongwe, said the body of their son was repatriated on Sunday, 25 January.
The family said they can now breathe again.
“We are relieved because we can finally lay our son to rest. The process was painful and not easy, but we are grateful to everyone who helped us,” she said.
But the family is still not convinced that Thabang took his own life.
“We don’t believe it was suicide. The way he was found doesn’t make sense to us.”
“How can it be suicide when the rope was on his legs, and his feet were still touching the ground?” Ramaisela said.
Thabang Mokonyane from Tshamansi, Mokopane, was found dead in Zimbabwe on Thursday, 1 January, just days after crossing the border to visit his girlfriend.
She said it was Thabang’s first time going to Zimbabwe and that he had gone there to see his girlfriend and try to sell nuts.
The family didn’t even know he had travelled there.
“He didn’t have a passport, so we never expected him to go there,” Ramaisela said.
Head of the Tshamansi Traditional Council, Dan Makhubela, said the return of Thabang’s body has brought some comfort to the family and the community.
“We are relieved that the family has received their loved ones. At least they can now give him a dignified funeral at home,” he said.
Meanwhile, Forum of South African Activists (Fosa) has thanked journalists who helped spread the story.
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“We appreciate the media for making sure the right people heard about this case. As Fosa, we still want the truth about Thabang’s death. Something is not adding up,” said Fosa leader Tebogo Mashilompane.
