School kids taxi tragedy:
“How do I know this is my son’s ashes”
A conflict of cultures has risen among the families of people who died in a horrific taxi crash in Mpumalanga on Friday.
An option for a joint funeral was still being discussed for the 18 pupils and the one adult who all burnt beyond recognition.
But Sowetan understands that some families wanted to hold individual funerals to perform certain rituals.
Joseph Mathibela, whose granddaughter Mimie Mathibela, 15, died in the crash said they were born-again Christians and were concerned because “the ashes were mixed”.
“Who knows whose ash that is. How will the ash collected from the scene be identified?
“One grave would do for all the deceased. That way, families who want to perform rituals would know where to go,” Mathibelas aid.
Mimie’s mother, Margaret, said: “After the DNA tests have been concluded, all we will be getting are bones. One grave will do but there are families who were totally against it.”
Thandi Masuku said although in African culture a person who died in an accident or violently was not brought into the yard during the funeral, she said the family had discussed the matter.
“Bontle was on her way home when she died. The accident happened so close to our home that when she died she knew that she was going home.
“We will bring her coffin home. This is also to avoid future expenses which could arise if we do not. Her spirit will not rest if we do not bring her home,” she said.
Gauteng education spokesman Steve Mabona said: “The families cooperated with forensic pathologists and the samples were taken. We are still waiting for the results from the laboratory.”
Taxi driver Amos Mnguni, 75, was the only one identified after the crash and will be buried tomorrow.