MBABANE – The Eswatini Association of Funeral Practitioners (EFPA) has resolved to pay for the funerals of three of the four women allegedly killed by a pastor.
EFPA Chairperson, Musa Vilakati, during an interview with Eswatini News, stated that the gesture to assist the families is both humanitarian assistance to grieving families and a stand against gender-based violence.
The decision comes as the country continues to grapple with the shocking allegations surrounding Nkosingiphile Zwane, who is alleged to have lured women before killing them and burying their bodies. Zwane, who is said to have been a pastor at Apostolic Faith Church International, has since been arrested and appeared before the Manzini Magistrates Court.
According to information presented before the court, Zwane allegedly targeted women, including some whom he reportedly met through Facebook. Investigators further allege that the women were lured to the church where the accused minister is said to have committed the offences before burying their bodies. The decomposing remains were later recovered after the accused allegedly led police officers to the burial sites.
Vilakati said the association had unanimously agreed to finance the funerals of three of the four alleged victims.
Vilakati explained that EFPA had initially intended to assist all four bereaved families. However, one of the families had already secured funeral services through another funeral home, making it unnecessary for the association to provide additional support.
“We had wanted to assist all four families, but one family already has its own funeral house. As an association, we have, therefore, resolved to assist the remaining three families,” he said.
He said the decision was informed by the tragic circumstances surrounding the women’s deaths and the emotional and financial burden that had been placed on their relatives.
Vilakati said the association believes that supporting the families goes beyond providing funeral services, describing it as a gesture of compassion during an exceptionally painful period.
The funerals to be supported by EFPA will take place in the communities of Ngculwini, Ncabaneni and Shiselweni.
Beyond providing funeral assistance, Vilakati said the initiative was intended to send a strong message condemning gender-based violence, which continues to claim lives across the country. He said this is one of the reasons why they had also involved other stakeholders such as the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS).
He emphasised that the association would collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure the funerals also serve as a platform to encourage communities to reject violence against women and girls.
Vilakati disclosed that EFPA had initially planned to organise a mass memorial service for all the victims before their burials. However, the proposal could not be implemented because the families had already finalised their funeral arrangements and scheduled the burials for tomorrow.
Despite the change in plans, he said the association would still actively participate in the funeral services and continue supporting the affected families.
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