By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Grief-stricken relatives of four cousins killed in a devastating road accident on the R712 say the tragedy has left the family traumatized and in urgent need of psychosocial support.
Thembinkosi Xaba (28), Thulani Xaba (34), Thabang Edward Xaba (26) and Pekimozi Alex Xaba (24), all from Bochabela village, were laid to rest in a mass funeral on Saturday, 30 May.
The funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, including family members, friends, community leaders and government officials.
The four cousins were among seven people – six men and one woman – who died at the scene of a head-on collision on 23 May.
Family spokesperson Mandla Gamede described the loss as devastating, saying the deaths of the young men had shattered the family.
“The whole family is traumatized. We need any possible psychosocial counselling. We were not prepared to bury them at such a young age. We expected so much from them and believed they had bright futures ahead of them,” said Gamede.
He said the emotional strain had become so severe that one family member was hospitalised during the funeral proceedings.
“We can confirm that one of the family members was admitted to hospital during the burial process because of the trauma and emotional distress,” he added.
The funeral was marked by scenes of heartbreak as mourners struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss, underscoring the profound impact the tragedy has had on both the family and the wider community.
Mabolela area chief Morena Tsholo Mopeli called on residents to rally behind the bereaved family and support the children left behind by the deceased.
“In our culture, there is no such thing as a fatherless child. Fathers in the community have a responsibility to help raise and guide children who have lost their parents. During difficult times like these, we must stand together and ensure these children receive the love, care and guidance they need,” he said.
Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Tumelo Thebe said the tragedy was not only a loss to the family but also to the municipality and the country.
“The deceased were part of the future of this country. We share the family’s pain and grief. We pray that Almighty God comforts them and heals their broken hearts during this difficult time,” said Thebe.
