GoFundMe exceeds target for Zimbabwean family killed in UK tragedy
· The South African
The family of slain Bulawayo IT specialist Nothabo Zandile Khumalo and her two daughters has raised more than £16 500 (about R369 000) through a GoFundMe campaign to repatriate their bodies from the United Kingdom to Zimbabwe.
The fundraiser, authorised by the Khumalo and Magonya families and managed by their aunt, Sharon Lingisiwe Khumalo, was launched ahead of the family’s return home.
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It initially sought to raise £10 000 (about R223 100) but exceeded that target within a short period after attracting hundreds of donations.
Nothabo, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, are expected to arrive in Bulawayo on Saturday at around midday. Their funeral is scheduled for Monday in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.
Zimbabwe family seeks help with repatriation costs
According to the family, the donations will help cover the costs of repatriating the bodies from the UK, funeral arrangements and burial expenses.
The family explained that although Nothabo had personal funds, they could not be accessed immediately because of the legal procedures surrounding her death.
“While Nothabo had personal funds, accessing them is a complex and lengthy legal process due to the criminal nature of her death,” the family said in its appeal.
They added that public support was needed to ensure the three victims could be laid to rest without unnecessary delays.
Triple murder shocked Zimbabweans
Nothabo and her daughters were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, England, on 6 July.
Investigators believe they were killed on 3 July before Nothabo’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, left the UK the following day.
His disappearance sparked an international manhunt before he was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on 10 July.
Suspect faces extradition
Tshuma has since appeared twice before a South African court.
He is currently facing charges relating to the alleged illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition while authorities continue with proceedings to return him to the UK, where he is expected to face three murder charges.
The deaths of Nothabo and her daughters have drawn widespread sympathy from Zimbabweans both at home and abroad, with hundreds contributing to the fundraising campaign to ensure the family receives a dignified burial.