The Masilela family from Obed Nkosi in Ratanda remains in shock following the death of their daughter, Thandi Masilela (43), who passed away on March 22 after a suspected case of alcohol poisoning.

According to Thandi’s daughter, Phindile Masilela (25), her mother had been socialising with her boyfriend and a small group of friends on the day of the incident.

“We woke up on Sunday morning, and she was fine. She went about her daily chores as usual. We even cooked because it was her boyfriend’s birthday. He had come to visit with his friends, and one of my mother’s friends was also there,” she said.

Phindile stated her mother had consumed some wine, which had been bought earlier that day.

“Later, she went to the bedroom, saying she was tired. When I dished up food and went to give it to her, I found her lying on the floor,” she said.

“We thought she had fainted and tried to wake her by sprinkling water on her face, but she did not respond. She had a yellow and brown substance around her mouth, and her stomach appeared swollen. Neighbours called an ambulance, but it was already too late. She was cold and not moving.”

A family member, Makie Masilela (55), said the family is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

“We are heartbroken and still in disbelief. My sister was not sick. We are demanding a postmortem examination because she showed signs that suggest possible poisoning,” said Makie.

“We still have the wine that she consumed and when you pour it into a glass, there is a thick substance that settles at the bottom. We don’t know if the alcohol was contaminated or expired. We are appealing for support from the community as we prepare for the funeral.”