The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has issued an urgent call for intervention following the death of a South African citizen in Zimbabwe, appealing to government authorities and community stakeholders to assist a grieving family struggling to bring their loved one home.
The deceased has been identified as Thabang Matanye Mokonyane, a resident of Mokopane in Limpopo and the son of Mokgadi Tryphina Mokonyane. According to information provided to FOSA, Mokonyane had travelled to Zimbabwe with his girlfriend, Khathutshelo Mbedzi, whose father is Zimbabwean and mother South African.
FOSA national leader Tebogo Mashilompane said the family became alarmed after losing contact with Mokonyane on 1 January. “The family grew increasingly worried when all communication stopped. It was later confirmed that Thabang’s lifeless body was found and is currently being kept at a mortuary in Zimbabwe,” Mashilompane said.
He added that the family is devastated and facing severe financial difficulties, which have made it impossible for them to repatriate the body to South Africa. “This family is in deep pain and distress. They do not have the means to bring their son back home for burial, and that is an unbearable situation for any family,” Mashilompane said.
The family has also raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding Mokonyane’s death and is calling for transparency and urgency in how the matter is handled. Mashilompane said these concerns cannot be ignored. “There are questions that need clear answers. The family deserves a full and transparent process so they can find closure,” he said.
Mashilompane confirmed that FOSA was approached on Tuesday to assist the family and to escalate the matter. He said the organisation is urgently calling on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the South African High Commission in Zimbabwe, and relevant law enforcement and consular services to intervene without delay.
“We are appealing to the authorities to assist with the repatriation process and to ensure that all the necessary investigations and consular support are provided,” Mashilompane said. “No family should be left helpless and stranded in grief across borders.”
FOSA has also appealed to community members, organisations and good Samaritans who may be able to support the family during this difficult time. “This is a moment that calls for compassion, unity and swift action,” Mashilompane said.
At the time of publication, there was no comment from the Zimbabwean and South African governments.
