Bad Weather Delays Return of Nothabo and Daughters’ Bodies to Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO — The arrival of the bodies of Nothabo Zandile Khumalo and her two daughters, Natalie and Nala, has been delayed after adverse weather disrupted their journey from the United Kingdom to Zimbabwe.

The aircraft transporting the three bodies was scheduled to land at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before connecting to an Ethiopian Airlines flight bound for Bulawayo.

However, poor weather conditions prevented the aircraft from landing safely in Addis Ababa, forcing it to divert to Djibouti.

The diversion resulted in the bodies missing their scheduled connecting flight to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo on Sunday morning.

A Khumalo family representative said the flight was unable to land in Addis Ababa because of the weather and had to proceed to an alternative airport.

“The flight from the United Kingdom failed to land in Addis Ababa because of bad weather. It had to divert to Djibouti, and because of that, they missed the connecting flight from Addis Ababa to Bulawayo,” the family representative said.

Ethiopian Airlines also issued an advisory confirming that flights approaching Addis Ababa had been diverted because of poor weather conditions.

Following the disruption, arrangements were made for the bodies to travel to Zimbabwe on an alternative route.

They are now expected to arrive at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare around midnight before being transported by road to Bulawayo.

The family said the delay would not affect the main funeral programme, with arrangements remaining in place for the burial.

After arriving in Bulawayo, the bodies are expected to be taken briefly to the Khumalo family home in Gwabalanda, where relatives and community members will be given an opportunity to pay their respects.

A funeral service will then be held at the Brethren in Christ Church in Lobengula.

Nothabo and her daughters will be buried side by side at Old Luveve Cemetery on Tuesday.

The return of the bodies is an important moment for the grieving family following weeks of discussions, travel arrangements and coordination between authorities in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.

Family members had earlier expressed concern about whether Natalie and Nala, who were born in the United Kingdom, would be permitted to be buried in Zimbabwe alongside their mother.

British authorities later approved the repatriation of the two children, allowing the family to proceed with plans for a joint burial.

The family said the approval brought relief to Nothabo’s parents, who wanted their daughter and grandchildren to be laid to rest together in Zimbabwe.

Separating the mother from her children would have added to the family’s grief during an already painful period.

Nothabo, who was officially identified by Bedfordshire Police as 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, in July. Bedfordshire Police said the bodies were discovered on July 7 after officers attended the property.

Their deaths shocked Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and other parts of the world.

Relatives described the deaths as an unimaginable loss and thanked members of the public for the prayers, messages and practical support extended to the family.

Tributes issued after the tragedy remembered Nothabo as a hardworking and caring woman, while her daughters were described as joyful and deeply loved children.

Natalie was remembered as a talented and dedicated student, while Nala was described as a cheerful child who brought happiness to those around her.

The girls’ schools and members of the Great Denham community also expressed grief following their deaths.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, Nothabo’s husband and the children’s father, was later arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He is wanted in the United Kingdom in connection with three murder charges and remains in custody while legal processes continue.

South African authorities said his arrest followed cooperation involving local law-enforcement agencies and international partners. British authorities are pursuing his extradition to the United Kingdom, where he is expected to face the charges.

The allegations against him have not yet been tested at trial, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court.

The deaths prompted Zimbabwean communities in Britain and at home to mobilise financial and logistical assistance for the Khumalo family.

Individuals, churches, community organisations and other well-wishers contributed towards the repatriation and funeral arrangements.

The family has expressed gratitude for the support received during the difficult process of bringing the three bodies home.

Despite Sunday’s travel disruption, preparations for the funeral are continuing in Bulawayo.

A large number of mourners are expected to attend the service and burial as relatives, friends, church members and residents gather to bid farewell to Nothabo, Natalie and Nala.

The family said returning the three to Zimbabwe and laying them to rest together would provide an important measure of closure after weeks of mourning.