SA mine victims' burial today

THE 22 bodies of Zimbabwean illegal miners who were gassed to death in a South African disused mine arrived in Bulawayo yesterday just before 6am and a funeral service attended by hundreds of mourners was later held at the Kings and Queens Funeral Parlour in Kelvin Industrial area.

Kings and Queens Funeral Parlour assisted in the repatriation of the bodies.

The 22 are part of the 23 who suffocated at a disused mine in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.

It was a touching moment when the funeral cortège of 10 hearses and other vehicles carrying mourners made its way into the city at exactly 5.49am.

Hundreds of people comprising relatives, friends and members of the the public then converged on Kings and Queens Funeral Parlour for the service after which the bodies of the 22 were taken to their rural homes in Nkayi, Tsholotsho, Gokwe, Kwekwe and Kezi.

Of the 22, 13 were from Nkayi, five from Gokwe South, two from Tsholotsho, one from Kwekwe and another, a woman, from Kezi.

Speaking on behalf of the relatives of the dead miners, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said they were humbled by the support they received from the Government, different organisations and individuals.

He said the loss was not for close family members and friends but for the whole nation as the 23 were Zimbabweans who were trying to eke out a living for themselves and their families.

"Today Zimbabweans showed that we are always a united lot, regardless of colour, tribe, political inclination or beliefs. By this I mean we are not gathered here to mourn the unfortunate passing on of our friends and relatives but we are here to mourn the death of fellow Zimbabweans," said Insp Moyo when he took to the podium before a grief stricken crowd.

"A lot of people and organisations have come together to make sure that our dear departed brothers and friends are with us today, chief among these being the Government of Zimbabwe through its embassy in South Africa, Kings and Queens, who provided the coffins and other services. There  are also a number of other organisations and individuals who also contributed in both cash and kind."

Insp Moyo, who also lost relatives in the mine disaster, revealed that the bodies were decomposing.

"I know there are a lot of people who were lined up to give speeches today but we have to travel as soon as possible to the various burial sites because the bodies have started decomposing. However, we are expecting dignitaries to give speeches where we are going and in Nkayi mourners would be addressed by the Honourable Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development, Sithembiso Nyoni," he said.

Nyoni is also the Member of the National Assembly for Nkayi North constituency.

Next to take to the podium was Ms Nokuthula Mlambo, who spoke on behalf of those who accompanied the bodies from South Africa.

Ms Mlambo said despite delays at the border, they had a smooth journey and she also took the opportunity to thank the  Government for the support it rendered to the bereaved families.

"At the border we had a problem with regards to two of the deceased's papers but with the intervention of the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa that was quickly rectified. This is a sad period but I would like to thank everyone who came together with us to help repatriate the bodies so that they are buried at home," she said.