Gone but not forgotten
“Often, he would spend time with family members, enjoying their company, good food and the time spent with loved ones.”
After coming to South Africa Malvern resident Mekson Luhana was killed when a vehicle struck him.
Meckson, who worked primarily as a gardener, came to SA over four years ago to provide for his wife and daughter who is less than a year old.
The 32-year-old Jules Street resident was killed on the morning of February 5 along Greenstone Drive.
Meckson’s uncle, Brave Ngoma, was informed of his nephew’s death by a community member who found Mekson’s phone.
He said when he was called and informed of the incident, he could not believe it.
“The news broke me; it didn’t seem real. It seemed like a nightmare.”
Ngoma, who lives in Edenvale, said he was the first family member on the scene.
“From what I was told Meckson was cycling on the pavement when the vehicle hit him.”
“Seeing Meckson’s body was very emotional and only then did it set in that he was dead.”
Ngoma explained that Meckson’s direct family was notified of his death.
“When his wife was told she became very emotional, had no words and fainted.”
“Although his daughter is less than a year old, she will grow up only knowing about her father through photographs.”
Ngoma described his nephew as a good person who had a passion for soccer.
While growing up in Malawi, Meckson fell in love with the sport.
“He didn’t drink beer; he didn’t smoke but he would watch as much soccer as possible.
“You could ask him anything about soccer and Meckson would be able to tell you everything.
“When not watching a Premier Soccer League game Meckson would visit Rhodes Park in Kensington where he would watch community teams go head to head.
“He would always analyse the teams and try to determine which team would win the match before it ended.”
Besides his love for soccer Meckson had a strong connection to his family.
“Often, he would spend time with family members, enjoying their company, good food and the time spent with loved ones.”
Ngoma explained that he will take Meckson’s body back to Malawi where it will be buried as per the family’s traditions and culture.
He said in total the task will cost over R18 000, this includes keeping the body at a private morgue and transport costs.
Ngoma appealed to the community for any assistance. Contact him on 073 838 8741.
