Family denied burial order over birth certificate

A Ngozi Mine family has been denied a burial order for their child, 9, who died 12 days ago and had no birth certificate.

Richard Sibanda, the child father does not have a National Identity card while their four children do not have birth certificates.  His wife Sevi Ncube, only obtained an ID on Monday with the help of members of the Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) in Cowdray Park.

Yesterday, The Chronicle spoke to the couple about their loss and difficulties they have encountered since then.

They said getting identification particulars had not been a priority for them but they realised their importance following the death of their child.

Sibanda said he used to have an ID but lost it and had not bothered to obtain another one.

"Our baby died on May, 13, so we approached the police hoping to get a burial order but we were denied that. Police told us to produce the child's birth certificate but we couldn't as we hadn't obtained it. We also don't have IDs. I lost mine and my wife had never obtained it. We were then told to approach the Registrar General's offices before we are given the go ahead to bury the child," said Sibanda.

He said he had learnt the hard way the repercussions of not having birth certificates for his children.

Ncube said it has been difficult for her to live knowing that their child was yet to be buried nearly two weeks on.

"As a mother losing a child is very difficult but having to live everyday knowing that they haven't been buried is even brutal. I hope after getting my ID it will be possible for us to get a burial order," said Ncube.

BICC Deacon Mandlenkosi Ndlovu said the situation at Ngozi Mine was dreadful saying Sibanda's family was among many with no identity particulars.

"Almost everyone in that place does not have identification particulars. Something needs to be done.  The government needs to visit that place and try getting those people national documents," said Ndlovu.