The family of a man who was found hanging in a tree in a foreign country now seeking help to repatriate the body to South Africa.
Thabang Matanye Mokonyane from Mokopane in Limpopo went to Zimbabwe with his girlfriend Khathutshelo Mbedzi, whose father is Zimbabwean and mother South African to visit her family since it was a festive season.
Mokonyane is the son of Mokgadi Tryphina Mokonyane.
According to the Forum for South Africa (FOSA) they have been approached regarding the matter of Mokonyane.
“Thabang had travelled to Zimbabwe with his girlfriend, Khathutshelo and the family became concerned on 1 January after losing contact with him. It was later confirmed that his lifeless body was found hanged on a tree and is currently being kept at a mortuary in Zimbabwe,” the statement reads.
FOSA further said the family is devastated, financially distressed and unable to repatriate the body to South Africa for burial.
“They are appealing for urgent assistance to ensure that their loved one is brought home and laid to rest with dignity. The family has further expressed serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Thabang Mokonyane’s death and is requesting that the matter be handled with transparency and urgency by the relevant authorities.
FOSA was contacted yesterday (Sunday) to assist the family and to escalate the matter to the appropriate stakeholders.
FOSA called on Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), The South African High Commission in Zimbabwe and the relevant law enforcement and consular services to intervene without delay.
“They must assist the family with repatriation processes and ensure that the circumstances of the death are properly attended to. We appeal to community members, organisations.and good Samaritans who may be able to support the family during this painful time.No family should be left helpless and stranded in grief across borders,” the statement reads.