The Mnguni family in Thubelihle said they feel abandoned and emotionally drained as they remain unable to bury their relative, Themba Mnguni (56), due to ongoing disruptions at forensic pathology services linked to a nationwide strike.

Mnguni was shot and killed during a robbery at a local tuck shop in Thubelihle on May 16. According to a family member, Bongani Mnguni, armed suspects stormed the shop and opened fire during the incident, with bullets also fired toward the main house.

“That is where our brother was shot,” said Bongani.

He said Mnguni died while being rushed to the hospital.

“The tuck shop owner was also shot, and the suspects took money before fleeing,” he added.

Police are still investigating the case, and no arrests have been made.
But the family said their pain has been compounded by delays at the forensic pathology facility, where they have repeatedly returned in hopes of collecting the body.

“Every time we come here, it’s the same thing. Today we are here again at the pathology centre, and still we are told to wait,” he said.

He said they were informed that the situation, affected by a nationwide strike, will only be addressed on May 27.

Christopher Nobela confirmed that authorities are aware of disruptions affecting forensic pathology services nationally.

“We are aware of the national situation. There is still a process of fixing that, and we urge people to contact the department so that we can see how we can assist,” he said.

Read more here: Coronation community recovers body of man trapped in abandoned mine

One body retrieved from abandoned mine
https://t.co/aZZivij8hP #coronationmine #abandonedmine #witbanknews pic.twitter.com/kQKegyMIcL

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