‘They had not even apologised’: Family rejects in-laws’ burial request after UK triple murder

A bitter family feud has erupted in Bulawayo over the burial of Nothabo Zandile Khumalo and her two young daughters, who were brutally murdered in the UK last month. The Khumalo family has firmly rejected an attempt by the Tshuma family—relatives of the accused killer—to take charge of funeral arrangements.

According to a family source, a delegation from the Tshuma family arrived at the Khumalo home in Gwabalanda last weekend requesting to discuss burial plans. The visitors were sent packing. ‘Our family rejected their moves and sent them packing because the families were not on talking terms; they had not even sent a condolence message, and they had not apologised for the murder of our beloved daughter and grandchildren by their son,’ the source said.

The rejection underscores the deep wounds caused by the July 3, 2026, murders in Great Denham, England. Nothabo, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were beaten to death. The suspect, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, fled to South Africa where he was arrested while allegedly planning suicide. He now faces extradition to the UK.

The Khumalo family insists the victims will be buried in Bulawayo’s Luveve Cemetery. ‘They can’t be the ones burying our daughter and grandchildren. No. We won’t allow that,’ the source added. The funeral is on hold pending repatriation of the bodies, which could take months due to legal proceedings.

Article and image source: myzimbabwe.co.zw