Willowfontein lays nine-year-old Nonjabulwenhle to rest
Her disappearance sparked an extensive search involving community members, police, and other stakeholders.
The community of Willowfontein supported each other as they gathered to lay nine-year-old Nonjabulwenhle Nzimande to rest.
The funeral comes a week after Nonjabulwenhle was reported missing.
ALSO READ| Deputy Minister Morolong condemns ‘senseless’ murder of Willowfontein girl
Her disappearance sparked an extensive search involving community members, police, and other stakeholders. Her body was discovered in a nearby veld on Tuesday morning.
Community members sang and completed funeral preparations as they waited for her coffin to arrive.
Her family and community members began crying as the small coffin arrived, wrapped in a blanket, and was carried up to the house.
A small distance away, other family members prepared a plot for Nonjabulwenhle to be buried.
Nonjabulwenhle’s grandfather, Bheki Nzimande, said the family was deeply saddened by the loss of their young child.
ALSO READ| Grief and anger grip Willowfontein after missing girl’s body found in veld
“We are very hurt. Those who are supposed to protect our children are the ones who hurt them. We have lost a young, beautiful child. We want to thank the community and all those who have been supporting us through this time,” said Nzimande.
Willowfontein ward assistant Mthobisi Mweli said they are thankful for the community and everyone who assisted in finding Nonjabulwenhle.
“As a community, we have stood together in this difficult time. We also want to thank the relevant stakeholders, Umgungundlovu District Municipality, Msunduzi Municipality, and the Office of the President of South Africa,” said Mweli.
