Mhlanga four laid to rest

The four family members that were found dead in their family home were laid to rest even though the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

On Saturday, July 15 family, friends, nurses and councillors attended the funeral of Ms Pearl Mhlanga (32), Quanisha Malang (8), Quirino Mhlanga (5) and seven month old Quain Mhlanga.

The coffins of the Mhlanga family stood in front of the church on Saturday, July 15, nursing staff from eMalahleni Private Hospital gathered around the coffins, with candles and said the nursing pledge. (Photo: Solly Maseko).

Quain was placed in the same coffin as his mother, lying on her chest; Quanisha and Quirino were in their own coffins.

The coffins were taken to the family house, where people got to say their final goodbyes at home before the funeral.

The three coffins stood in front of the church on Saturday, July 15 with photos of the Mhlanga family members that were found died on Monday, July 10, Mr Mandla Mhlanga stares at them. Baby Quain was placed in the same coffin as his mother, he was lying on her chest.

From the home the coffins were taken to the church in Ackerville.

Honourable Executive Mayor Cllr Lindiwe Ntshalintshali also spoke at the funeral as this story made national news.

“I heard about this tragedy while I was attending the BRICS summit in China. I was very shocked about the news as I was kilometres away from home, but I am glad that I was comforted by Minister of Local Government Mr Des van Rooyen and other officials. I knew Mandla and his lovely family personally. Even the premier sent his condolences to the families. He urged the community of eMalahleni to embrace Mandla and give him the necessary support and care. He also said that people must give Mandla space and that God will give him strength as this all will pass. I urge the district, the province and local government to allow Mandla to go through a healing process and all municipalities need to unite in prayer for Mandla. May all the souls find peace,” said Ntshalintshali.

The nursing staff from eMalahleni Private Hospital stood around the coffins with candles and read out the nursing pledge as their final goodbye to their fellow co-worker Pearl.

Honourable Executive Mayor Cllr Lindiwe Ntshalintshali said a few words at the funeral on Saturday, July 15.

The obituary was read out in the church by Mr Mandla Mabuza.

‘Pearl was born on January 27, 1985 in eMalahleni. She started attending school at Pine Ridge Combine School until Grade 10. Subsequently she enrolled at Middelburg Combined School until she matriculated the very same year in 1999. In 2000 she trained as a nurse and successfully completed her studies resulting in her being employed at Life Cosmos Hospital that year. In 2007, she worked at Unitas Hospital in Pretoria at the laboratory. In 2010 she met Mandla who later became her husband.

Mandla describes her as a woman who loved cooking, drinking tea, picnics, socializing with loved ones especially kids and dedicated to her work commitments. Through her enthusiasm in 2011 she opened a catering and transport company providing essential services to mine workers and the municipality. Her education background motivated her to open a medical centre in Klarinet, an initiative that assisted those in need and who could not afford travelling to bigger cities for medical assistance. In 2017 she joined eMalahleni Private Hospital where she worked in the theatre until she met her unfortunate death.

In September 2011, she got married to Mandla a man who consistently described her as loving and supportive. The couple were blessed with three kids namely, Quanisha also known as Mbali. She was born on February 15, 2008 she was in Grade 3 at St Thomas and wanted to be a neurosurgeon. At her young age she mastered the functioning of brains and locations. Quirino also known as Amandlakayise was born on December 18, 2012 and was in Grade R and Quain also known as Amandlawenkosi was born on November 18, 2016. These loving children loved watching cartoons with their Dad, playing TV games, reading, feeding animals and were excellent swimmers.

Pearl enjoyed spoiling herself and her husband with different kinds of tea and they also attended picnics together. She liked visiting places such as China, Mozambique and Swaziland. The couple attended many events of International artists who visited South Africa.

In loving memory of our loved ones, we can comfort ourselves as Becky Aligade said; “Memories are the treasures that lock deep with the storehouse of our souls.” We wish them eternal peace.’

It was a very emotional day for Mr Mandla Mhlanga (40) as he said his final goodbye.

As the burial is final, the results of what actually killed the children and Pearl is still unclear.

ALSO READ:

https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/96394/dont-answer-calls-will-sorry/

https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/96084/mystery-death-leaves-four-dead-reyno-ridge/