The distraught family of five victims who burnt beyond recognition in a horrific truck fire near Harrismith, Free State, is demanding the release of their remains.
The dejected family is saying they have waited long enough. It’s been nearly three months since the tragic accident on 28 August, but the family still hasn’t been able to bury their loved ones as they await DNA test results.
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Family Demands Remains Of Loved Ones Burn Beyond Recognition in Horror Truck Fire
Tshokolo Mofokeng (35), his wife Anna Hlatshwayo (32), and their three children, Tumelo, Moleboheng, and Bokamoso, perished in the fiery crash between Mabate and Tshiame. Their truck mysteriously caught fire, leaving them trapped inside. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the family is growing increasingly frustrated with the delay.
Maria Selepe, a family member, told Daily Sun that while the DNA tests have been completed, the investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
“We can’t be held to ransom by the results of the cause of the fire. Those can come even after the funeral. This is punishment. We want closure. We’ve suffered a lot, waiting to bury the remains of our loved ones.”
The family previously voiced their anger at the police, accusing them of dragging their feet. Four bodies were initially recovered from the wreck, but the family discovered human bones at the scene, which they believe belong to the missing fifth victim — a one-year-old toddler. Despite notifying the police, they claim officers refused to investigate further.
“We had to take the bones to the state mortuary ourselves. We believe the bones were trapped inside the truck and fell to the ground when the truck was towed away.” The charred remains of the toddler were eventually found under the driver’s seat at home,” said Selepe.
Police Respond
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring urged the family to be patient:
“The laboratory has a long queue to deal with different cases. The investigating officer will immediately notify the family formally when the results are ready.”
An inquest case has been opened as the investigation continues, but the family says their priority is to give their loved ones a dignified funeral.