Moyahabo Mabeba
The family of murdered Chisimango Gumbo are a long way from being reunited with her body.
Chisimango’s family are struggling to transport her remains to Museva village in Chivi, in the Masvingo province of Zimbabwe.
Chisimango was among the seven women allegedly murdered by alleged serial rapist and killer Themba Dube, who dumped their bodies in the outskirts of Polokwane in Limpopo.
Family spokesperson Tanaka Chigohwi said they had been waiting for the DNA results to verify if the dead woman was their cousin.
“After she was positively identified, we were faced with a new headache. We have to face the reality of transport, burial and logistical expenses.”
Tanaka said the cheapest quotation they got from undertakers in Polokwane was R9,700 – a fee they have been struggling to raise.
“We come from an impoverished family. That is why Chisimango and I had to go to South Africa to seek greener pastures. Since Chisimango’s husband passed on in 2005, she has been struggling to raise her two kids,” he said.
Chisimango disappeared from her rented room in Seshego township, outside Polokwane, in August 2021.
Her remains were released along with those of Sarah Mothiba, 42, Moleboheng Mothibeli, 34, Khomotso Makhura, 41, and Sanah Senyatsi, 34, who have already been buried.
Dube faces seven counts of kidnapping and murder, rape, defeating the ends of justice and contravention of immigration law. The Zimbabwean was in the country illegally.
His modus operandi was to lure women with a promise of employment.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said it is not the responsibility of the police to repatriate deceased people to their home countries.
“We have done our part by conducting DNA results and handed the remains to the families. As for the transportation of the mortal remains, it is incumbent upon the families.”
The family told Scrolla.Africa they are appealing for financial support to transport Chisimango to her final resting place.
Last week, Dube threatened a Scrolla.Africa reporter when the alleged serial killer appeared at Seshego Magistrate’s Court.
