Zimbabwean women abducted, burnt to death in South Africa

TWO Pretoria-bound Zimbabwean women were reportedly abducted and burnt to death after the commuter omnibus they boarded at Musina near Beitbridge Border Post last month was intercepted by unidentified criminals who later demanded an undisclosed amount as ransom from the deceased's husbands in South Africa.

The deceased - named as Esther Mwinde and Olga Gwena, both from Kariba - were last seen on June 10 as they left for Pretoria where their husbands are based. The deceased's husbands Shoroma and Simbarashe Kauso are brothers.

Their aunt, Cythia Kauso, confirmed the incident yesterday saying the family was informed about the tragedy by a woman who was in the same kombi who miraculously escaped.

The kidnappers were said to have demanded money from the deceased's husbands on their mobile phones, but communication between the two parties broke down after the latter had raised part of the alleged ransom.

The family said when they inquired from South African police they were advised to check in a public hospital mortuary in Pretoria where they then recovered Olga's body while the other body was burnt beyond recognition.

A family member who identified himself as Admire confirmed that he had been tasked to assist in the repatriation of the remains.

"My friend, there are so many issues that need to be sorted out that are more important than entertaining your questions," Admire said before he cut the conversation.

South African police could not be reached for comment.

Contacted for comment, Zimbabwe's consular-general to South Africa Henry Mukonoweshuro said: "This was not supposed to be for media consumption at the moment as we and South African authorities are still to get to the bottom of the issue. Besides, the other body has not been positively identified it needs some further tests."