Thembisa family’s tragic loss followed by disputes over a child’s body
“The child’s father and his family stole her body after the memorial."
Amina Mavuka (31) and her two children, Desire (10) and Adaisy (five), were found dead in their rented room at Toyko Section, Ivory Park, Thembisa, on January 9.
They were laid to rest on January 19 in their hometown of Masvingo in Zimbabwe.
Lucy Mavuka, Amina’s sister, described her as the most loving, kind, generous, brave and hardworking person she knew.
“Amina was a reader and a traveller. The whole family is beyond hurt and devastated by this painful experience. We miss them every day.”
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On January 23, a memorial service was held for Amina, Desire and Adaisy in Thembisa.
After the service, a tragic turn of events happened when Adaisy’s body was found to be missing.
“The child’s father and his family stole her body after the memorial,” said Robert Majekwana, Amina’s brother-in-law.
“I called the driver of the vehicle that had Adaisy’s body, and he said they were in Kempton Park to pick up one of the relatives.
“After 10 minutes, I tried to call them again, but no one picked up, including the driver from the funeral parlour we used,” he said.
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Majekwana said he then left to chase the father and the vehicle.
“I could only catch them in Louis Trichardt, about 100km from the Zimbabwe border. I believe if I had not done that, we would not have been able to get Adaisy’s body back,” he said.
“I ended up using a car that was not supposed to travel to Zimbabwe. I left it at the border post because I didn’t have time to get the car permits and had to leave it there and join others in the other cars,” he said.
The family confirmed to The Thembisan that no action has yet been taken against the father.
“He has not been arrested yet, but I think the issue also needs our follow-up. We will work with the police, not as a sign of punishment but as a sign that no one is above the law,” said Amina’s brother, Tatenda Mavuka.
“I’d like to thank Nkululeko Khanyi, the CEO of the Ungazibulali Awareness Campaign, for facilitating and assisting us in getting the necessary people on our case.”
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Lucy said the children’s father and Amina’s husband refused to attend the funeral after he handed Adaisy’s body back to the family.
“We felt it was an unfair and cruel decision he took, especially after reading the letter stating that Amina wanted to be buried with her children.
“It is so sad. We thank God it is now rested. I will remember my sister through all the good and bad memories,” Mavuka.
