Source: Government to repatriate body of Zimbabwean killed in SA – herald
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, smoyo@chronicle.co.zw
GOVERNMENT will facilitate the repatriation of the body of a young Zimbabwean who was shot dead in front of his mother during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, revealed the development on Wednesday while touring the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) reception and transit centre in Njube, where returnees from South Africa are being accommodated before travelling to their home provinces.
She said the deceased’s mother was among the returnees who recently arrived in Bulawayo and was visibly traumatised after witnessing her son’s killing.
“As soon as the bus docked here, the woman immediately started screaming, ‘Please don’t kill me, please don’t shoot me.’ It was a sorry sight,” said Minister Ncube.
“We later learnt that her son had been shot and killed in front of her in South Africa, so those were signs of trauma.”
Minister Ncube said the incident highlighted the importance of the counselling and psychosocial support services that Government has put in place at reception centres to assist returnees who experienced traumatic events before returning home.
She said the woman had since received counselling and Government will assist the family in bringing her son’s body to Zimbabwe.
“She received counselling, but for her to find closure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will assist in repatriating the body to Zimbabwe,” she said.
Minister Ncube said Government, through various ministries and agencies, continues to provide temporary accommodation, healthcare services, counselling, food and transport to Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
She also commended churches, civic organisations, companies and individuals for partnering Government in responding to the humanitarian crisis.
“This humbles us to see people coming forward and partnering Government to make sure our brothers and sisters receive a soft landing as they come back home. Government is the people and when the people do this, we are humbled as the leadership,” she said.
Minister Ncube said donations being received at the centre were benefiting returnees travelling to different parts of the country.
“This is a transit place. Our people are going to various places in Matabeleland North and South as well as the Midlands. As Government, our officials from these different provinces are on site to ensure a smooth transition,” she said.
Yesterday, the Rotary Club of Matopos and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints handed over donations to support the humanitarian response.
The Rotary Club donated jackets, dresses, blouses, tracksuits and pyjamas mainly for women and children.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 1,500 kilogrammes of mealie meal, sanitary pads, 150 blankets and 100 mattresses.
Bulawayo Zimbabwe Stake president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr Mzingaye Ndlovu, said the donation followed an appeal from Government.
“We met Minister Ncube and the Civil Protection Unit who gave us a list of things that may be needed for this situation. As a church, we mobilised resources among ourselves and came up with these items,” he said.
United Congregational Church of Southern Africa president Reverend Coenraad Williams praised the collaboration between Government, churches and communities in supporting returnees.
“The most beautiful thing about the Church is when we can reach out, extend ourselves and work together, putting aside our differences for the greater good of the Kingdom of God,” he said.
Rev Williams said the humanitarian response reflected compassion and unity at a time of crisis.
“In a humanitarian crisis such as this, it is pleasing to see the face of God being put first and not personal desire or ambition. The ecumenical Church, the universal Church, is saying we belong to one another and therefore we need to care for one another,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from the Biblical account of Jesus feeding the 5,000, Rev Williams urged faith-based organisations to respond to human suffering without waiting for resources.
“’You feed them,’ Jesus told His disciples. In other words, take care of them. It was after that act of faith and responsibility that the miracle of the loaves and fish took place,” he said.
“In any humanitarian crisis, you cannot wait for resources to come. You reach out in faith, knowing that God will provide. We should not spend too much time debating where resources will come from. We should answer the call to feed and care for those in need.”
Rev Williams urged churches and well-wishers to continue supporting vulnerable people, saying acts of compassion strengthen communities during difficult times.
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