The family of University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) final-year education student Simpiwe Mchunu, whose body was retrieved earlier this month from a shallow grave after weeks of anxious searching, is facing a second wave of trauma after learning that they cannot yet bury her while forensic processes continue. Mchunu, who was from Roosboom near Ladysmith, was reported missing last month. Her disappearance sparked widespread concern among family, friends and fellow students, with hopes that she would be found alive.
Those hopes were shattered when police last week confirmed that her body had been discovered in a shallow grave. KZN police have since arrested a suspect, believed to be Mchunu’s boyfriend, in connection with the killing. Family spokesperson Lethi Nene said confirmation of Mchunu’s death has left the family devastated, particularly during what should have been a period of celebration and togetherness.
“When she went missing, we prayed and hoped that she would be found alive. However, all our hopes were dashed when we learned that she had been murdered. Like any other family, we were expecting to have a Merry Christmas, but for us that was not to be,” she said.
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Nene said the family has been told that DNA testing must be finalised before the body can be formally identified and released for burial, a process expected to take up to two weeks. What pains us the most now is that we are unable to bury her. The waiting is very difficult because we just want to give her a dignified farewell and begin the process of healing.
Mchunu’s killing has reignited public outrage over gender-based violence (GBV), particularly against young women. Gender activists, student organisations and political parties have again called on the government to intensify efforts to stem violence against women. UKZN students, some of whom described Mchunu as a dedicated and hardworking future teacher, have expressed shock and anger at her death, calling for universities and communities to play a more active role in protecting students from violent relationships. IFP Youth Brigade (IFPYB) eMnambithi regional chairperson Ntuthuko Thabede said the murder had prompted the organisation to launch a local campaign aimed at raising awareness about abuse among young men.
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