What began as a festive season visit to see his child has ended in heartbreak for a Limpopo family after a 23-year-old man was found dead in Zimbabwe under unclear circumstances.
Thabang Matanye Mokonyane, from Tshamahansi in Mokopane, was allegedly discovered hanging from a tree in Lutumba village near Beitbridge on 1 January, 2026.
He had travelled to Zimbabwe to visit his girlfriend and the mother of his child, Khathutshelo Mbedzi.
Family unaware of festive season cross-border trip
As reported by Polokwane Weekly, Mokonyane’s aunt, Ramaesela Mongwe, said the family was unaware that he had travelled to Zimbabwe during the festive season.
She said the family only learnt of his trip after receiving a distressing call from his girlfriend, who claimed that Mokonyane had taken his own life.
“We were shocked and horrified. He never told us that he was going to Zimbabwe,” Mongwe told Polokwane Weekly.
Doubts surround suicide claim after festive season trip
While the family was informed that Mokonyane had died by suicide, Mongwe said several aspects of the account raised troubling questions.
“We received a photo of how they found him hanging on a tree, but we have many unanswered questions,” she said.
She pointed to concerns about how the rope was tied around his neck, why his knees appeared dirty, and why one of his eyes was wide open.
According to the family, these details do not align with what they were told about his death.
“As a family, we are not satisfied. There are too many loopholes,” Mongwe added.
Mokonyane’s body is currently being held at a mortuary in Zimbabwe.
The family says financial constraints have left them unable to repatriate his remains to South Africa for burial.
The tragedy has placed additional strain on relatives who are still grappling with grief while trying to raise funds to bring him home.
Calls for intervention and transparency
The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has since called for urgent intervention following the death of the South African national in Zimbabwe.
The organisation is urging the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the South African High Commission in Zimbabwe, and law enforcement agencies from both countries to step in.
FOSA says the family deserves clarity and transparency regarding the circumstances of Mokonyane’s death and support in repatriating his body.
As investigations continue, Mokonyane’s family is appealing for community assistance to help bring their loved one home and to ensure that all questions surrounding his death are fully addressed.
