Durban - The long delay in bringing home the bodies of a Durban couple who died in the Lagos church building collapse is “disappointing, inhuman and unneighbourly” of the Nigerian authorities, says one of the KwaZulu-Natal bereaved families.
Dickie and Dennis Ngcobo, who founded the Ukuphila Wellness Centre, which treats people suffering from chronic illnesses and HIV/Aids, are among the 84 South Africans who perished in the collapse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations building on September 12.
The couple’s business partner and family spokesman, Praise God Mduduzi Mabaso, on Friday morning said the delay has been an “unbearable emotionally bruising experience for the family, especially the children”.
“The indefinite waiting for the bodies to return is even more unbearable and complicating things since life cannot go back to normal until closure is sought,” said Mabaso.
“The sooner you lay your loved ones to rest and bring closure though a decent burial ceremony, the better for the family. What is happening is despicable,” he said.
Mabaso said the family was aware the SA government was doing everything within its power to expedite the process.
“They give us constant updates on the matter but the hold-up is with the Nigerian counterparts and beyond SA control and competence,” Mabaso said.
He said they remain optimistic that the remains would be returned home for burial which “will bring closure eventually”.
“It’s hard and emotionally bruising but it is the reality and... therefore have to bear with it... no matter how emotionally taxing it is.”
It was disappointing, inhuman and unneighbourly considering that these are two African States and the matter is in the international domain.
Mabaso said if it was not for the support from the family church, Kingdom Embassy International under apostle LV Mahlangu, it would have been an “unbearable beyond human capacity especially the young ones”.
“We are thankful to the daily prayer visit by the church, relatives, friends, colleagues and christian family at large. The visit by various departments and government officials is also humbling and does make a huge deference,” Mabaso said.
Daily News