After eight months of emotional agony and uncertainty, the Mofokeng and Hlatswayo families will finally lay their loved ones to rest. The tragic incident, which occurred in August 2024, claimed the lives of Tshokolo Mofokeng (35), his wife Anna Hlatswayo (32), and their three children – Tumelo (10), Moleboheng (8), and Bokamoso (1). The family perished in a burning truck near Harrismith in the Free State.
The delay in the burial was due to a prolonged DNA identification process. The charred remains of the victims made immediate identification impossible, leading to months of waiting for DNA confirmation. This wait left the family in emotional turmoil, unable to mourn or gain closure.
Maria Selepe (51), the mother of Tshokolo and spokesperson for the grieving family, described the emotional toll the delay took on them. “The delay in receiving the DNA results has taken a significant toll on our family’s emotional well-being. We’ve been in pain far too long, unable to properly mourn and lay our loved ones to rest,” she said. “Uncertainty has psychologically damaged us. We’re eager to bring closure to this painful chapter.”
Maria shared that the trauma of losing her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren was made worse by the investigative process. At one point, she was wrongly accused of hiding her deceased son because only four bodies were initially found in the truck. “The fifth body was later discovered under the driver’s seat and was confirmed to be Bokamoso. This entire ordeal has been incredibly painful,” she said.
The long delay also had severe effects on Maria’s mental health. She admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts due to the overwhelming grief and trauma. “The horrific nature of their death has scarred me and damaged my entire family,” she added.
According to Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the police’s investigating officer maintained communication with the family throughout the process. Once the DNA results were finalized and the identities confirmed, arrangements for the funeral were made.
The family will finally be laid to rest in Tebang Village, QwaQwa, on Saturday, 19 April. The funeral is expected to bring some sense of closure to a family that has endured nearly a year of emotional devastation.
This heartbreaking story has touched many across the country, shedding light on the emotional damage prolonged forensic investigations can cause to grieving families. It also highlights the urgent need for more efficient processes in handling such sensitive cases.
As the Mofokeng and Hlatswayo families prepare to say their final goodbyes, they hope the community continues to support them through this difficult time, and that no family will have to endure a similar wait for closure in the future.