KZN government repatriates Kranskop man’s remains from Russia
Duma said the department was contacted by Makhaye's wife, Sibonile Ndwandwe, on April 8 requesting assistance to bring her husband's body home.
The KwaZulu-Natal government has confirmed the successful repatriation of the mortal remains of Sihle Makhaye, a 44-year-old man from Kranskop who died in Russia after allegedly being lured there with the promise of a lucrative job.
In a statement issued on Sunday, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said Makhaye’s remains were expected to arrive at King Shaka International Airport at 1.15 pm.
Duma said the department was contacted by Makhaye’s wife, Sibonile Ndwandwe, on April 8 requesting assistance to bring her husband’s body home.
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According to Ndwandwe, she received news of Makhaye’s death on March 28, leaving his family and children devastated.
“Since that day, I assigned a team to be closer to the family led by the Head of Human Settlements, Max Mbili,” Duma said.
He thanked the team appointed by International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola for working closely with the provincial government to facilitate the repatriation process despite numerous challenges.
Duma also acknowledged President Cyril Ramaphosa for his support, describing him as “a pillar and a solution provider”.
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He further expressed gratitude to Ayanda Msweli, the Kranskop community, Combined Nations Funeral Parlours Associations president Lungile Shangase, and Department of Transport ambassador for the eThekwini region Pastor Nkululeko Khumalo for their support during the difficult period.
Duma said the provincial government and the family would hold a media briefing on Monday to outline the way forward and announce preparations for Makhaye’s funeral service.
