The Easter holidays are days of celebration and happiness, but for the Madzebu family of Muhovhoya –Tshakhuma outside Louis Trichardt, happiness turned into sadness and mourning.

They have just lost a beloved member of the family under tragic circumstances. Orphaned Mashudu Madzebu (25) died under mysterious circumstances after allegedly being stabbed by local men .

His death brought much sadness and anguish for the impoverished family, which has been surviving on grants. The family gained courage and accepted that their loved one was gone forever but were left with one major headache, that of burying the dead man with dignity.

Local community members who came to comfort the family felt they had to do something and they and the royal house approached different funeral undertakers for help. They were warmly welcomed at a newly established funeral house, Mutondi Funeral Services at Thohoyandou P East, who agreed to bury Madzebu free of charge. They gave the family a coffin, a tombstone and a free funeral service, and Madzebu was finally laid to rest on Sunday at Tshakhuma cemetery.

On the day of the funeral, it rained heavily and the hearse carrying the body could not reach the house where the service was being held. Mourners had to pay their last respects at the local post office, where the hearse with the body was parked.

Family spokesperson Fhatuwani Raphulu said they were very humbled by the gesture from Mutondi Funerals. “We were confused and stranded after the tragic loss of our brother and we did not know what to do," he added. He said the family was very impressed by the way the company handled their case.

Mutondi Funeral Services has branches in Polokwane and Johannesburg and recently opened its doors at Thohoyandou P East. They offer a full funeral service and funeral insurance.