Pretoria - The last memory Elias Tshabalala’s relatives have of him is that of his charred and battered body lying on the ground, half-covered with a metal sheet.
Family members said they were still reeling in shock and pain following his murder a week ago during a botched eviction in Hammanskraal.
Tshabalala, 43, who was buried in Soshanguve on Sunday, was beaten and burnt to death during the eviction in Kanana Extension 3, Suurman, and Sekampaneng.
This was after land occupants turned the tables on the Red Ants and Majorie security services personnel who were evicting them.
At the time, Tshabalala was employed by Majorie, which had been sub-contracted by the City of Tshwane to carry out the evictions in the township.
Another guard, Lucky Nelushi, 31, was also killed during the evictions which had led to three days of violent protests. Nelushi will be buried next weekend in Limpopo.
Tshabalala’s father Sam told the Pretoria News that very little had come their way in the form of assistance from the City of Tshwane and the security company.
“What hurts the most is that Elias’s life means nothing to those responsible for his death. Nobody from the City of Tshwane has come to talk to us.
“An official from Majorie’s came, but it seems like they were not willing to help us; they have been beating about the bush since his death,” Sam said. Tshabalala left behind two children, aged 25 and 6.
“He played a pivotal role in ensuring he earned an income through various temporary jobs. The city provided us with two buses, but that was through our councillor. Those responsible haven’t come to tell us what happened,” his father said.
Tshwane mayoral spokesman Blessing Manale said the municipality would only step in if the family asked them to do so.
He said the city was mindful of legal consequences if it acted without being approached by families.
“We will gladly assist if requested, even beyond the funeral, and look at providing bursaries for the surviving dependants, as well as counselling.”
Pretoria News