Hearts and purses open for slain child’s family

People from around the world have opened their hearts to the family of six-year-old Ayabukwa “Nhathi” Mhlahlo, who was brutally raped and murdered earlier this week.

Her body was found with a stab wound close to her neck, on Monday, in Mdantsane NU8.

Horrified people in SA and abroad have rallied to offer monetary donations and any help they can to Nhathi’s mother, Thandiwe Mhlahlo, and the rest of the family.

Dozens of people came forward to assist after DispatchLIVE reported on Friday that the family was too poor to afford to buy a coffin and burial site for little Nhathi.

On Friday, DispatchLIVE received numerous phone calls from people asking how they could contact the family.

One woman said she had a friend in Australia who had read of Nhathi’s death and wanted to assist.

The family’s prayers for a proper funeral have been answered by Makinana Funeral Services.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday in Mdantsane.

Makinana co-owner Sive Makinana said they were shocked by what had happened.

“It is heart-wrenching for a parent to bury their own child, especially at that tender age.

“We will be offering our services by giving them the full package — coffin, decorations and transport.

“This will amount to R6,500 in total,” Makinana said.

Marzanne Cumberlege, of Cumberlege Attorneys, said they had learnt of the tragedy through one of their employees, who knew Nhathi’s mother.

“We are willing to pay for anything the family needs.

“I cannot imagine the mother’s heartache.

“We will donate three months’ worth of groceries, because I can only imagine the financial stress the family is going to have after the funeral.”

Zine Stofile, the owner and director of auditing form ZiyiFour, also wants to donate groceries to the family.

“I have been trying to get hold of the family, just to find out what exactly they need but have not got a response yet.

“Regardless of that, I will still donate. This is a family that is in dire need.”

Family spokesperson and relative Majolandile Maqina said the family had been inundated with calls from members of the public wanting to help.

“I honestly was not expecting so much generosity from people.

“So far, we have already covered the most important aspect, which is the coffin and transportation,” he said

Under the theme “Your child my child”, a prayer walk will take place from Nondlwana Methodist Church in Mdantsane NU8 to the spot where Nhathi’s body was discovered.

The prayer walk, organised by young men from different churches, starts at 1pm on Sunday.