Those were the final heartfelt words from relatives at the funeral of a woman and her two daughters, who are believed to have been murdered.
Nothabo Zandile Khumalo, 42, and her daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were found dead at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on July 6.
Post-mortem examinations found that the three died from blunt force trauma.
Nothabo’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, has been accused by UK authorities of murdering his wife and daughters.
Their bodies were repatriated to Zimbabwe on Monday ahead of their funeral.
At a church service in Bulawayo on Tuesday, mourners remembered Nothabo’s kindness, devotion to her family and determination to succeed.
Inside the packed church, dozens sang hymns as three white coffins stood at the centre of the hall.
A sombre mood filled the church as they paid their last respects.
The deaths of Nothabo and her daughters have left many people devastated, with grief felt throughout the church.
Heartbroken family members struggled to hold back tears as the three coffins were carried into the church.
Those who paid tribute fought through their emotions to say a final goodbye to their loved ones.
“The tragedy has tested our faith. The manner of their passing has left wounds that only God can heal,” family member Theophilus Khumalo said.
“As the Khumalo family, we stand firm in our commitment to truth, justice and dignity. We will allow the law to take its course. We will not be drawn into anger or bitterness.
“We will not allow this tragedy to define us. Instead, we choose to honour their memory with grace, unity and unwavering faith in God’s justice and comfort.”
Uncle Ntsika Dakamela said accepting the loss remained incredibly difficult.
“No one can replace these three who have gone. They have departed. They have gone from our sight, and no one will replace them.
“So, family, as you encourage us, console us and comfort us, tell us the truth. Our beloved ones have gone. Tell us the truth. Even as you bless us and remind us that we are saved, tell us the truth: they have gone.”
Family member Thembi Magonya said the circumstances surrounding their deaths were painful beyond words.
“Today, we choose not to dwell on the evil that was done. Evil will not be allowed to define their story. Instead, we will celebrate the beautiful lives they lived.
“We will remember Nothabo for her courage, achievements, warmth and devotion as a mother. We will remember Natalie for her love of nature, her passion for sport and music, and her dedication to school. We will remember Nala for her laughter, the joy she brought and the wonderful energy that kept everyone around her on their toes.”
Community leaders also paid tribute.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart reflected on the scale of the family’s loss.
“When we come to moments like this of unspeakable grief, the thought of losing a child is painful enough. But the thought of losing grandchildren is beyond my comprehension. I’m sure we all feel that today.”
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Judith Ncube, used the occasion to speak out against gender-based violence.
“What is happening in Bulawayo?” she asked.
“There has been a rise in gender-based violence in our province. Statistics show that Bulawayo is leading in such cases in the Matabeleland region. What is it that we are doing wrong in our marriages?”
Family members and friends were reportedly unable to view the bodies before the funeral because they had decomposed after remaining undiscovered for several days following their deaths.
The three were laid to rest side by side in adjacent graves.
Zimbabwean-born UK fugitive Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma
Meanwhile, Tshuma, who is wanted in the UK in connection with the alleged murders, has once again abandoned his bid for bail, ensuring he remains in custody while South African authorities pursue his extradition.
Two weeks ago, Tshuma briefly appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possessing an unlicensed firearm.
His lawyer confirmed that he would no longer pursue bail, and the matter was postponed until August 27, 2026.
The latest court appearance came days after UK forensic examinations concluded that Nothabo and her daughters died from blunt force trauma.
British authorities allege that Tshuma murdered his family at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, before fleeing to South Africa, triggering an international manhunt.
He was arrested earlier this month in Kensington, Johannesburg, during a joint operation involving the South African Police Service, Interpol’s National Central Bureau and Crime Intelligence.
While extradition proceedings continue, Tshuma also faces a South African charge of unlawful possession of a firearm after police allegedly found him carrying an unlicensed pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition when he was arrested.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe previously said investigators believe Tshuma bought the firearm shortly after arriving in South Africa on July 5, before British authorities had identified him as a wanted suspect.
Police have also launched an investigation to trace the person who allegedly sold him the firearm.
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