A family from Silobela, Midlands Province is refusing to bury a slain relative, demanding a 30-herd of cattle from the family of a man accused of having murdered him.
The family believes that their relative, Mthandazo Moyo (52) who was a teacher at Simana Primary School, was killed by Thobelani Bhebhe after a misunderstanding over a woman about two weeks ago.
The Moyo family demanded that the Bhebhe family part with 30 beasts plus US$3 000 dollars.
However, the Bhebhe family managed to release five cattle but the Moyos refused to accept them and dumped the body at the Bhebhe homestead demanding full payment.
But following Silobela legislator Mthokozisi Manoki-Mpofu and Chief Malisa’s intervention, the family softened their stance and buried their relatives on Sunday. MP Manoki-Mpofu said:
It is true that the Moyo family had dumped the body at the Bhebhe homestead as they demanded that they be paid 30 cattle and money.
I had to intervene together with Chief Malisa as the body was now at an advanced stage of decomposition.
Fortunately, they understood and burial was conducted and we are now negotiating to see how Bhebhe can now pay the remaining beasts and the remaining money.
Manoki-Mpofu further revealed that the Moyo family have reduced the number of cattle from 30 to 15 plus money on top.
He said he was working with Chief Malisa on how the Bhebhe family can come up with a payment plan to settle the outstanding debt.
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