Qwaqwa – After an excruciating eight-month wait, the families of Tshokolo Mofokeng, Anna Hlatshwayo, and their three young children will finally find a measure of peace as they lay their loved ones to rest on Saturday, 19 April 2025, in Tebang Village, Qwaqwa.
The Mofokeng and Hlatshwayo families, along with the entire Qwaqwa community, have been grappling with unimaginable grief since the horrific vehicle fire near Harrismith on 26 August 2024 claimed the lives of all five family members: Tshokolo (35), Anna (32), Tumelo (10), Moleboheng (8), and one-year-old Bokamoso.
The family was en route from Tshiame B to Qwaqwa when tragedy struck, their vehicle erupting in flames and trapping them inside. The sheer devastation of the scene left first responders and investigators with the grim task of recovering remains that were, in many cases, unidentifiable. The need for DNA analysis to confirm the identities of the victims only compounded the family's agony, forcing them to endure an extended period of uncertainty and delayed mourning.
From the outset, the Mofokeng and Hlatshwayo families have displayed remarkable strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. However, their journey has been far from easy, marked by bureaucratic delays, alleged police incompetence, and the ever-present weight of grief.
Maria Selepe (51), Tshokolo's mother and the family's spokesperson, has been a tireless advocate for her loved ones, navigating the complexities of the investigation and speaking out against the injustices she believes the family has faced. In numerous interviews with local media, including Daily Sun, Maria has articulated the profound emotional impact of the tragedy and the subsequent delays.
"The delay in receiving DNA results has taken a significant toll on our family's emotional well-being," Maria stated with a palpable weariness. "We've been in pain far too long, unable to properly mourn and lay our loved ones to rest. Uncertainty has psychologically damaged us. We're eager to bring closure to this painful chapter."
The weight of the tragedy and the seemingly endless wait for answers took a devastating toll on Maria's mental health, leading to a dark period where she battled suicidal thoughts. "The loss of my kids has left me with a scar," she confessed. "The horrific nature of their death has damaged me and my family."
Adding to the family's trauma were allegations of police mishandling of the crime scene and a series of insensitive assumptions made by investigators. Maria recounted the harrowing experience of having to collect the remaining human remains of her son and grandchildren herself, placing them in a plastic bag for transport to the state mortuary in Phuthaditjhaba.
"We visited the crime scene on Wednesday (28/8) to verify for ourselves. Unfortunately, we found the remaining human bodies. We reported the matter to the police, but they refused to come and verify," Maria explained, her voice laced with disbelief. "We had to take those remaining bones to the state mortuary in Phuthaditjhaba, which is unimaginable in a constitutional country."
The family's frustration reached a boiling point when police initially reported that only four bodies had been recovered from the burnt-out truck, leading to the assumption that Tshokolo may have survived the fire and fled the scene. Maria vehemently denied this suggestion, accusing the police of jumping to conclusions and causing further distress to the grieving family.
"Police initially reported only four bodies were recovered from the burnt-out truck, while the missing body was presumed to be that of the husband," Maria said. "Selepe accused the police of assuming her son might have deliberately set the fire and fled the scene."
The truth, as it turned out, was even more heartbreaking. The fifth body, that of one-year-old Bokamoso, was eventually discovered trapped under the driver's seat, relatively unscathed compared to the other victims. This discovery, while confirming the family's worst fears, also raised serious questions about the thoroughness of the initial police investigation.
"The police created a second crime scene in our yard," Maria lamented. "The toddler’s body was trapped under the driver’s seat and was identifiable because it was not severely burned. This is a double pain for us."
The family's anger and frustration were directed at Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Provincial Commissioner Gen. Baile Motswenyane, whom they accused of sending incompetent officers to investigate such a high-profile crime scene. "We have countless questions for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Provincial Commissioner Gen. Baile Motswenyane about why they sent incompetent officers to investigate such a high-profile crime scene," Maria asserted.
In response to the allegations of police mishandling, Free State police spokesperson Capt. Lorraine Earle confirmed that internal investigations were underway. "The station commander of Harrismith is dealing with the matter with the utmost seriousness," Earle stated. "The fifth body was recovered during the forensic investigation by experts in this field."
Earle also addressed the family's claims that they had removed body parts or bones from the scene, stating, "As far as the police are concerned, no body parts or bones were removed from the scene by the family, which is why there is an internal investigation to clear the air on this matter."
While the internal investigations continue, the Mofokeng and Hlatshwayo families have remained focused on preparing for the final farewell to their loved ones. The upcoming burial in Tebang Village is expected to draw a large crowd of mourners, including family members, friends, community leaders, and representatives from various organisations who have offered their support during this difficult time.
The burial will not only provide a long-overdue opportunity for closure but also serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of loss and the importance of community solidarity. The Qwaqwa community has rallied around the Mofokeng and Hlatshwayo families, offering emotional support, financial assistance, and practical help with funeral arrangements.
Adding a layer of complexity to the tragedy, it emerged that Anna and Tshokolo were reportedly in the process of divorcing at the time of the accident. According to Maria Selepe, the family had found a torn marriage certificate among the deceased's documents, suggesting that the couple's relationship had been strained.
Despite their personal challenges, the deaths of Anna, Tshokolo, and their three children have united their families in grief, transcending any past differences or conflicts. The shared experience of loss has forged a bond of empathy and understanding, reminding everyone involved of the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.
As the Mofokeng and Hlatshwayo families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, they do so with a mixture of sorrow, relief, and gratitude. They are grateful for the support they have received from their community, from the authorities who have worked to resolve the case, and from the countless individuals who have offered their condolences and prayers.
They also carry with them the memories of Anna, Tshokolo, Tumelo, Moleboheng, and Bokamoso – memories that will forever be etched in their hearts. The upcoming burial will be a celebration of their lives, a tribute to their love, and a testament to the enduring power of family.
The community of Qwaqwa, still reeling from the shock of the tragedy, will stand alongside the Mofokeng and Hlatshwayo families on Saturday, offering comfort, strength, and a shared commitment to healing. The hope is that this final act of closure will allow them to begin rebuilding their lives and finding a path forward, carrying the legacy of Anna, Tshokolo, Tumelo, Moleboheng, and Bokamoso in their hearts forever. The accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that the investigating officer consulted with the family, which led to the release of the bodies.
