Northern Granites has donated and erected a gravestone in honour of the late Elvis Nyathi who was murdered by vigilantes on 6 April 2022 in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Northern Granites, a Bulawayo company that manufactures granite tombstones and offers graveyard maintenance services, pledged to donate and erect a tombstone during Nyathi’s state-assisted burial in April.
The gravestone was erected on Nyathi’s grave at Umvutsha Park Cemetery in Bulawayo in the presence of his family including his wife, Nomsa Tshuma and his uncle, Stanley Ndlovu. Lino Nyevhe, a director at Northern Granites, said:
<blockquote>
We wanted to erect a tombstone, but the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) advised us that we had to do with a headstone because it banned tombstones.
We may apply for a waiver so that we honour our brother the right way, we do not think that the gravestone is enough.
Elvis Nyathi is more than a resident of Bulawayo, he is a Zimbabwean who represents the struggles that our parents, brothers and sisters go through in South Africa and we believe his grave must be a symbol of the xenophobic-inspired struggles that we endure across the Limpopo River. We are all Elvis Nyathi.
As Northern Granites, we say to Elvis Nyathi’s family, be comforted in the Lord and be strong and courageous and do not be afraid, neither be you dismayed, for the Lord our God is with you always. He will never forsake you.
</blockquote>
Nyathi (43), was brutally assaulted and set on fire at a time when thugs in Diepsloot were targeting undocumented foreign nationals who they accused of committing crimes.
The trial of seven men arrested in South Africa in connection with the murder of Nyathi is ongoing.
The seven are Cedric Raseale, Baron Mashele, Godfrey Mahlo, Thomas Serebane, Phumuduza Tshirangwana, Thabo Makgatho and Puleng Chipape.
They are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do bodily harm and extortion.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/elvis-nyathi-monument-in-bulawayo/">Chronicle</a>

Pindula News

Northern Granites Fulfills Pledge To Elvis Nyathi's Family

The family of Elvis Nyathi, a Zimbabwean national who was murdered in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, South Africa, said they have not been updated about the status of the police investigation into his killing.
Nyathi’s brother, Godknows Nyathi, told TimesLIVE that the police told him that he mustn’t bother contacting them since Elvis’s wife has failed to return to South Africa to identify the suspects. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
They are not communicating with us at all. They told me that because Elvis’s wife failed to come and identify the people who killed Elvis, there is nothing they can do to help us further, so I mustn’t bother to contact them.
</blockquote>
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Sello advised the Nyathi family to lodge a formal complaint with the station commander. Said Sello:
<blockquote>
If the family has any complaints about the service or the progress of their case, they are advised to lodge a formal complaint with the station commander or the Gauteng service complaints centre on 082-442-2000.
</blockquote>
Seven suspects who were arrested and charged for Elvis’s murder are out on R3 000 bail each.
They briefly appeared at the Randburg magistrate’s court on Thursday but the matter was postponed to 24 August.
The suspects are Cedrick Raseala, 41, Baron Mashele, 31, Godfrey Mahlo, 31, Thomas Serebane, 53, Phumudzo Tshirangwana, 38, Thabo Makgatho, 32, and Puleng Chipape, 34.
They are charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, four counts of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and extortion.
On the fateful night in April, the suspects, who were allegedly part of a mob, moved around Diepsloot knocking on doors at different homes claiming they were searching for illegal foreign nationals in the township.
Knowing that his papers were not in order, Elvis allegedly tried to flee from the mob but was caught, beaten up and set alight outside his home.
The murder occurred when there was a surge in murder cases in the area which some locals blamed on foreigners, particularly Zimbabwean nationals.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2022-07-07-family-in-the-dark-as-elvis-nyathi-murder-case-delayed/">Sowetan</a></h4>

"Don't Bother Us", SA Police Tell Elvis Nyathi's Brother

The widow of Elvis Nyathi, the Zimbabwean national who was murdered in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa in April, has refused to return to the neighbouring country, even as a state witness.
Nyathi’s cousin Mphathisi Ndlovu told Sowetan that Nomsa Tshuma still fears for her life.
Nomsa, who is expected to be a key witness when the matter goes to trial, returned to Zimbabwe for her husband’s burial and has never been to South Africa since.
Ndlovu said the Nyathi family has tried to convince Nomsa to return to South Africa to assist in the case but she has refused. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
Even the Zimbabwean government has tried to assure her that they will protect her when she returns to SA but she refuses to change her mind. She is very scared.
It’s understandable because she went through something that has traumatised her and negatively changed her life.
</blockquote>
Nyathi was killed in April allegedly by a mob searching for undocumented foreign nationals who they accused of committing crimes in the area.
Nomsa was present on the night the 43-year-old father of her four children was assaulted and torched by the mob.
Seven men were arrested for Nyathi’s murder and are currently out on R3 000 bail each.
They face charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do bodily harm and extortion.
On Thursday, the matter was postponed to 24 August for further investigation.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-07-08-diepsloot-murder-victims-wife-refuses-to-return-to-sa/">Sowetan</a></h4>

Elvis Nyathi's Wife Refuses To Return To SA

South Africa: The seven men arrested in connection with the murder of Zimbabwean national Elvis Nyathi were set to appear at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court this Thursday but the case was postponed to 24 August.
State prosecutor Dinesh Nandkisoor asked the court to delay the hearing due to outstanding witness statements, crime scene photographs and postmortem results. Said Nandkisoor:
<blockquote>
Also outstanding is the decision from the director of public prosecutions as to whether the matter will then be transferred for trial to the high court.
</blockquote>
The seven suspects are Cedrick Raseala, 41, Baron Mashele, 31, Godfrey Mahlo, 31, Thomas Serebane, 53, Phumudzo Tshirangwana, 38, Thabo Makgatho, 32, and Puleng Chipape, 34.
They are charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, four counts of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and extortion.
The seven were granted bail of R3 000 each in a previous appearance.
When the suspects initially appeared in court, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said:
<blockquote>
Nyathi was beaten and burnt to death in Diepsloot on 7 April 2022 when some Diepsloot residents embarked on alleged acts of vigilantism, attacking Zimbabwean nationals that residents were accused of committing crimes in the area.
The group of residents allegedly robbed some of the victims of their belongings and demanded money from their relatives in exchange for the release of those they held in captivity.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-07-07-elvis-nyathi-murder-trial-delayed/">SowetanLive</a></h4>

SA: Elvis Nyathi Murder Trial Delayed

The construction of a two-bedroomed house for the Zimbabwean migrant worker to South Africa Elvis Nyathi’s widow, Nomsa Tshuma, and her children is almost complete after well-wishers donated funds for the project.
The house is located in Ntabazinduna, 40km outside Bulawayo along the Harare highway.
Veteran radio presenter Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda, led the efforts within communities and civil society to mobilise resources to help out the family.
Nyathi was brutally killed in the Diepsloot township in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 6 April by an anti-immigrant mob.
In his social media update on the story, Sibanda expressed gratitude to all the people who contributed resources for the construction of the house. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I want to take this opportunity to thank the good and kind people who helped us build a home for the late Elvis Nyathi’s family.
The two-roomed house has been completed and was constructed by Elvi’s best friend Prince Mkhwebu who survived being killed on the night his best friend was brutally murdered by Dudula hyenas.
A million thanks to individuals, social media groups, Asakhane, Facebook friends and many other groups for donating funds to buy building material. We have done half the job, good people.
She will need a bigger house in future and also start a project to help sustain herself and look after her children.
MaTshuma is getting much better after the counselling, but needs more courses so is Prince who needs medical attention to operate his ear raptured by those Dudula thugs.
</blockquote>
Sibanda also revealed that Nyathi’s children are finally all in school. He said:
<blockquote>
I thank Nhlambabaloyi Secondary School, its head and teachers for accepting Khumbulani Nyathi as a new student to their school. He is now a happy boy.
The other siblings Sandisiwe and Mike Nyathi are doing amazingly and coping well at Nhlambabaloyi Primary School and I appreciate the teachers for working so hard in integrating and giving counselling to the two kids.
The older brother Melusi completed his ‘O’ Level and needs a job to work and look after his mother and his siblings. 
Any donations of any kind, including clothing, blankets, food etc, will always be appreciated.
Thank you Slice Pizzeria for the treat, they loved your pizza and it’s the best in town!
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/zim-community-solidarity-rescues-elvis-nyathis-traumatised-family/">The NewsHawks</a></h4>

Zim Community Solidarity Rescues Elvis Nyathi’s Traumatised Family

The seven South African men arrested in connection with the murder of Zimbabwean national Mbodazwe Banajo “Elvis” Nyathi last month will today appear at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for their bail application hearing.
Nyathi was assaulted and burnt to death by Operation Dudula-inspired vigilantes in Diepsloot, Johannesburg on 6 April.
The vigilantes were moving from door to door demanding identity documents from residents and allegedly taking bribes from people who could not produce the documents.
Nyathi (43), a father of four children in Zimbabwe, failed to produce his passport and his wife, Nomsa Tshuma (38) could not raise the bribe demanded by the criminals.
They severely assaulted Nyathi in front of his wife before taking him to the streets where they set him on fire.
The suspects, who are all South African, have been charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and extortion.
According to IOL, the seven men have been charged with Schedule VI offences.
This means that they have to convince the magistrate that exceptional circumstances exist that warrant their release on bail.
Initially, 14 suspects were arrested but the other seven were later released due to a lack of evidence.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/d-day-for-seven-men-arrested-for-diepsloot-mob-murder-5aa03bd6-f65d-43cb-b8ec-930b99acadcd">IOL</a></h4>

Elvis Nyathi's Alleged Killers Back In Court

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has asked Nomsa Tshuma, the widow of Elvis Nyathi, to return to South Africa to identify her husband’s suspected killers at an identification parade.
Nyathi was brutally murdered by an anti-immigrant vigilante group in Diepsloot, a slum area north of Johannesburg last month.
Seven of the fourteen men who were initially arrested in connection with the murder appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in South Africa two weeks ago.
The other seven suspects were released after police could not find conclusive evidence linking them to the crime.
The seven are facing charges to do with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and extortion.
An MRP delegation who met with Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi in Pretoria revealed that Tshuma was needed in South Africa.
MRP National Spokesperson, Velile Moyo, told CITE that they had asked Hamadziripi and the Government to be involved in the process so that Tshuma’s safety was guaranteed. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
She is still there in Zimbabwe but when the suspects were arrested by the police there was a need for identification or a parade to prove that they are the ones that did that so.
After the identification, they then take her back again to Beitbridge.
I think that was the request police had said and is something that has to be considered.
I’m not sure if the family has considered that.
</blockquote>
Nyathi was dragged by a mob from his home for not having a passport and beaten up. The vigilantes then stoned him before setting him on fire.
His charred remains were repatriated and buried in Bulawayo. He left behind Tshuma and their four children.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/sa-police-want-elvis-nyathis-widow-to-identify-husbands-killers/">CITE</a></h4>

SA Police Want Elvis Nyathi’s Widow To Identify Husband’s Killers

The seven men accused of the murder of Elvis Nyathi, a Zimbabwean national and Diesploot resident on 6 April are expected back in the Randburg Magistrates Court, in Johannesburg, on Monday, 25 April, in the morning.
They face charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The accused appeared in court on Friday last week where the matter was postponed to Monday.
They are expected to apply for bail this morning when they return to the dock.
On Friday, one of the accused delayed court proceedings as he requested time to get legal representation from legal aid.
The accused’s lawyer told the court that she would be recusing herself, citing a lack of communication with her client.
The late Elvis Nyathi Banajo Mbodazwe was born on 14 February 1979, at Brunapeg Hospital to parents Mfanyana Nyathi and Sipho Ndlovu.
He grew up at Tshatshe, Sewula in Kezi, and did his primary education at Sewula Primary School in Matabeleland South Province.
Nyathi’s family moved to Insuza and in 2006 he left for South Africa, where he was a gardener until his death.
In South Africa, he lived in Diesploot Extension One where he was beaten, stoned and set alight metres from his home.
Nyathi was currently building his own home in Ntabazinduna, Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province.
He leaves behind his wife Nomsa Tshuma and four children.
<h4>More: <a href="https://ewn.co.za/2022/04/25/seven-men-accused-of-murdering-zimbabwean-elvis-nyathi-in-diepsloot-back-in-dock">EWN</a></h4>

Seven Men Accused Of Murdering Elvis Nyathi In Diepsloot Back In Court

Seven (7) people appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday afternoon in connection with the murder of Zimbabwean national Elvis Nyathi.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed the development to News24 on Tuesday. She said:
<blockquote>
We can confirm, as the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA], that a group of seven men appeared in court in relation to the murder of Elvis Nyathi.
</blockquote>
Nyathi was killed in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, on 6 April 2022, by a mob after he failed to show them his passport.
The seven men face charges of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and extortion.
Police initially arrested fourteen suspects but after prosecutors went through the contents of the docket, it was decided there was insufficient evidence against the other seven.
The seven were remanded in custody to 22 April 2022 for them to acquire legal representation.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/just-in-elvis-nyathi-murder-7-men-appear-in-court-20220419">News24</a></h4>

Seven Men Appear In Court For Elvis Nyathi Murder

Fourteen (14) suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Zimbabwean national Elvis Nyathi in South Africa on 6 April.
eNCA reported that the fourteen suspects are appearing in court on Tuesday. However, the names of the suspects have not been revealed.
Nyathi was laid to rest at Umvutcha cemetery in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s second-largest opposition party, EFF, on Monday asked for forgiveness from Zimbabweans on behalf of his country for the murder of Nyathi. EFF said in a statement:
<blockquote>
The independence anniversary comes at a time of heightened Afrophobia that resulted in the violent and merciless killing of a gardener, Elvis Nyathi, who was accused of stealing jobs, gardening deemed a stolen job.
On this day, we call upon the people of Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa to forgive South Africa and its people for the misdemeanours and criminality of a few, misled by the lack of ubuntu, to hate Africans in Africa.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.enca.com/news/14-arrested-elvis-nyathi-murder">eNCA</a></h4>

SA Police Arrest 14 For Elvis Nyathi Murder

The family of Elvis Nyathi, the 43-year-old Zimbabwean who was brutally murdered by a xenophobic mob in Johannesburg’s Diepsloot in South Africa last week want the perpetrators of the gruesome murder to be brought to justice.
Speaking at Nyathi’s funeral service held at the Brethren in Christ Church, New Lobengula on Saturday, his cousin, Mphathisi Ndlovu, said:
<blockquote>
As the Nyathi and Ndlovu families, we are traumatised by the way Elvis died. We will try to move on but we will not forget.
No person deserves to die the way he was killed. We hope his killers would be punished.
He was a hard worker working for his family, he was a jovial person who loved peace and quiet.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Nyathi family expressed gratitude to all Zimbabweans who comforted them in their grief. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
We thank the whole of Zimbabwe for showing support, despite differences in the languages we speak, Zimbabweans showed us immense support.
They showed us that they can unite and speak one language. This is one of the occasions where I have witnessed Zimbabweans coming together for one cause. Our wish is may this unity last going forward.
At the border, we were welcomed by well-wishers who bought us food. Along the way, people were stopping us, passing their condolences.
This showed us that Elvis’ death touched the hearts of many.
We stopped in Esigodini for a small service and received donations from the people, stopped at NUST and here in Bulawayo, we saw your tremendous support.
This really touched us as a family. God will thank you on our behalf.
</blockquote>
The late Elvis Nyathi Banajo Mbodazwe was born on 14 February 1979, at Brunapeg Hospital to parents Mfanyana Nyathi and Sipho Ndlovu.
He grew up at Tshatshe, Sewula in Kezi, and did his primary education at Sewula Primary School in Matabeleland South Province.
Nyathi’s family moved to Insuza and in 2006 he left for South Africa, where he was a gardener until his death.
In South Africa, he lived in Diesploot Extension One where he was beaten, stoned and set alight metres from his home.
Nyathi was currently building his own home in Ntabazinduna, Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province.
He leaves behind his wife Nomsa Tshuma and four children.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/nyathi-family-pleads-with-govt-to-reduce-passport-fees/">CITE</a></h4>

Family Of Elvis Nyathi Want His Murderers Arrested

The family of the late Elvis Nyathi, who was murdered by a mob in South Africa for not having a passport, has appealed to the Zimbabwean government to reduce passport fees to make them affordable to the generality of the citizenry.
This plea from the Nyathi family highlights the struggles Zimbabweans have to endure to obtain national documents due to factors including bureaucratic and financial challenges.
Originally from Bhewula, Sewula Village Kezi in Matopo South under Chief Malaba of Matabeleland South, Nyathi was buried at Umvutcha cemetery in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Speaking at Nyathi’s funeral service held Saturday at the Brethren in Christ Church, New Lobengula, his brother Godknows Nyathi said he was killed after he failed to produce a passport. Said Godknows:
<blockquote>
Elvis and his wife hid behind their shack when they heard a mob going around wanting to see IDs and passports.
After they were seen hiding, Elvis on seeing the angry crowd, ran away because they were armed. They chased him, caught up with him and beat him up with weapons.
They said since you are running away you have a gun and searched his room but couldn’t find anything.
They asked for his wife’s passport and told her to give them R300 to release him.
They didn’t have the money so they took Elvis, beat him up and burnt him on the street.
</blockquote>
Addressing mourners, Nyathi’s cousin, Mphathisi Ndlovu, implored the Government to reduce passport fees. He said:
<blockquote>
Elvis died for not having a passport. A Zimbabwean passport is expensive.
We know some may say the one that costs a lot of money is the emergency passport but there is talk, which always causes alarm among those outside the country that we must apply for emergency passports as it comes out faster.
The emergency passport when in South Africa cost R5 000, which is money that we don’t even earn.
How was Elvis going to afford the R5 000 from his gardener’s salary? The R300 that his killers demanded from his wife is the same amount one needs to buy the passport form.
… There is also a possibility that it (the ordinary passport) will not come out, which forces us to borrow money to apply for the costly emergency passport.
</blockquote>
Ndlovu also claimed that as soon as one produced a Zimbabwean passport outside the country, their value as a human being was reduced. He said:
<blockquote>
Wherever you produce it, your value is reduced immediately. If you are going for a job interview and that job was paying R7 000, the pay would be reduced to R3 000.
The Government recently introduced the Electronic-passport. An ordinary passport costs US$120 while an emergency one costs US$220.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/nyathi-family-pleads-with-govt-to-reduce-passport-fees/">CITE</a></h4>

Elvis Nyathi's Family Implores Govt To Reduce Passport Fees

The late Zimbabwean national Mbodazwe Banajo “Elvis” Nyathi, who was brutally murdered in a xenophobic attack in South Africa last week was laid to rest at Umvutcha cemetery in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Mourners at Nyathi’s funeral service that was held at the Brethren In Christ Church in New Lobengula called on the Government to fix the economy so that citizens won’t have to migrate to other countries seeking greener pastures.
A family representative, Mphathisi Ndlovu, urged the government to reduce passport fees, pointing out that if Nyathi had a passport his life could have been spared.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube, said Nyathi’s brutal murder was painful considering that migration started well before independence. She said:
<blockquote>
This was seen by workers who flocked the country to work under the Witswatersrand Native Labour Association (WENELA).
Migration has always been in existence with people wanting to look for greener pastures.
If you notice a home that has many people and love, it’s one neighbour or the other who tries to put cracks there. If you are not careful of such devices, the home will be broken apart.
I remember in the early 1980s when there was a conflict in Matabeleland, if there was no leader like Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo who preached unity, the country was going to break because the aim was to have a civil war but that did not happen because of leaders like Nkomo who had the wisdom to unite people.
</blockquote>
Nkulumane MP, Kucaca Phulu (CCC), criticised the ANC-led South African Government for its failure to outrightly condemn xenophobia after Nyathi’s death. He said:
<blockquote>
ANC is not clear, which is shocking us. The Zimbabwean passport now summarises the indignity we face when we go to other countries.
We must take steps to take our children out of embarrassment when other people look at us.
We need to work on that, meet as political parties and ask ‘what we are doing about our dignity.’
Even if we have political ideological differences we must certainly agree that we need progress for us to move forward.
</blockquote>
Pastor Lucky Moyo from Christian Alliance said people should avoid scapegoating each other but find solutions to problems. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Elvis is a symbol of thousands who have gone to work in neighbouring countries hoping to be able to provide for their families but that dream has turned into a nightmare.
If we say our children must come back, what home are they coming to? We are not here to apportion blame, nor make uncomfortable or provocative statements but to address these issues.
</blockquote>
Nyathi (43) is survived by his wife, Nomsa Tshuma and four children.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/emotional-send-off-for-elvis-nyathi/">CITE</a></h4>

Emotional Send Off For Mbodazwe Banajo “Elvis” Nyathi

The remains of Zimbabwean man Mbodazwe Banajo “Elvis” Nyathi, who was brutally murdered in South Africa last week on Wednesday arrived in the country accompanied by relatives and friends on Friday morning via the Beitbridge Border Post.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 4096px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="1843" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQYQnY2XsAMbsBU?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096" width="4096"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Elvis Nyathi’s widow, Nomsa Tshuma (far left), sitting with her late husband’s relatives at Beitbridge before they took off for Bulawayo.</figcaption></figure>
Nyathi (43) will be laid to rest at Umvutcha cemetery on Saturday after a church service to be held at Brethren In Christ Church in the New Lobengula suburb.
The government granted him a state-assisted funeral while South Africa based funeral insurance company Zororo-Pumulani pledged to repatriate his body at no cost.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQYQIg7XsAA4FJh?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096"/>
Nyathi worked in Fourways, a Johannesburg Metropolitan suburb as a gardener twice a week where he was making R200 a day.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQYQIg4XwAcMMRU?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096"/>
He was stoned and burnt to death by vigilantes in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
Nyathi originally hailed from Malaba, in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/elvis-nyathis-remains-arrive-in-zimbabwe-for-burial/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>; <a href="https://cite.org.zw/elvis-nyathi-burial-set-for-saturday/">CITE</a></h4>

Elvis Nyathi’s Remains Arrive In Zimbabwe... Burial Set For Saturday

The opposition ZAPU says the granting of a state-assisted funeral to Mbodazwe Banajo “Elvis” Nyathi by President Emmerson Mnangagwa is an insult to every Zimbabwean.
Speaking to CITE, ZAPU national spokesperson, Msongwela Ndlovu said under normal circumstances, the Government should be commended for its gesture.
Ndlovu said, however, in the case of Nyathi, it was the Government responsible for causing the suffering of Zimbabweans in and out of the country, hence there was nothing commendable about the gesture. He said:
<blockquote>
News reaching us is that Mnangagwa has granted Elvis Nyathi a state-assisted funeral.
Under normal circumstances, we should be grateful and commend the government.
But as ZAPU, if indeed true, we find this gesture an insult to every Zimbabwean.
A government must provide state-assisted life, not a funeral.
</blockquote>
Ndlovu argued that it is the duty of the Government to create opportunities that better the lives of its citizens rather than taking advantage of their misfortunes for political gain. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
The government must never be an undertaker or a funeral parlour. It should provide opportunities to its citizens to thrive and prosper in their country of birth.
The grand deception of earning credit for man-made problems must be exposed for what it is, a political fraud.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda announced that Mnangagwa accorded a state-assisted funeral to Nyathi.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, was heckled by Zimbabweans when he attempted to make remarks at a memorial service of Nyathi, at the Underground Hillbrow Theatre on Thursday.
Nyathi was brutally killed by a vigilante group in Johannesburg’s Diepsloot township on Wednesday last week.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/mixed-feelings-over-state-assistance-for-elvis-nyathi-funeral/">CITE</a></h4>

Granting Elvis Nyathi State-assisted Funeral An Insult To Zimbabweans - ZAPU

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted the late Elvis Mbhodazwe Nyathi a state-assisted funeral.
This was revealed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana on Wednesday evening. <a href="https://twitter.com/nickmangwana/status/1514299850640310277">Mangwana tweeted:</a>
<blockquote>
His Excellency the President @edmnangagwa has granted the late slain compatriot #ElvisNyathi a State Assisted Funeral.
</blockquote>
The development was confirmed by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda in a statement. He said:
<blockquote>
The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M.J.M. Sibanda, wishes to announce that His Excellency the President; Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has granted a State-assisted funeral to the late Elvis Nyathi who was slain in South Africa last week.
The remains of the late departed are expected in the country at the weekend.
<img alt="May be an image of text that says 'ZIMBABWE PRESS STATEMENT His Excellency the President State-assisted funeral. grants the late Elvis Nyathi The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr M.J.M. Sibanda, wishes announce that His Excellency the President, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, has granted State-assisted funeral to the late Elvis Nyathi who was slain South Africa last week. The remains of the late departed are expected in the country at the weekend. Alittaranka Dr M.J.M. Sibanda Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet 13/4/22'" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/278544437_10160089531976214_6777342513252473552_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296&amp;_nc_cat=110&amp;ccb=1-5&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=HTWP4tYEv9kAX_071KR&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre3-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AT8nNSOn2m8lh_WLGm8RCJkJXTrR3EICaN1sVYmpwKGG5A&amp;oe=625C6DBA"/>
</blockquote>
Nyathi was brutally murdered by a mob in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday night.
The now-deceased 43-year-old Zimbabwean was a gardener in Fourways and had a wife and four kids. He lived on Thubelihle Street, Diepsloot.
According to his family, Nyathi had just come home from work when a mob ran through his neighbourhood chasing a group of people, knocking on doors and asking for ID documents.
He was allegedly caught by the group who tied him up, assaulted him and set him on fire. Nyathi’s brother, <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/my-brother-was-not-a-criminal-relative-of-zimbabwean-man-killed-by-diepsloot-mob-20220407">Godknows, said:</a>
<blockquote>
My brother, his wife and others hid behind their shack and the group found them and started chasing them because they thought they were criminals.
We are hurt because my brother was not a criminal. I spoke to him yesterday when he was at work and after work, he came back home to Diepsloot and they killed him. My brother was a good person. He had a wife and four children.
All I can say to the community of Diepsloot is if they catch someone they need to investigate if this person is a criminal or not.
They can’t just catch someone and kill them because they will only find out in the end that this person was not a criminal and was innocent.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Grants Elvis Nyathi A State-assisted Funeral

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked ZAPU from marching to Munhumutapa government offices in Harare in protest over the brutal murder of Zimbabwean national, Elvis Nyathi, in South Africa last week.
The Munhumutapa Building also houses President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s offices.
ZAPU wrote a letter to the Officer Commanding Harare on Monday, notifying them of the planned demonstration.
ZAPU Secretary-General Mthulisi Hanana told CITE that one of the reasons cited by the police in banning the planned protest at the Munhumutapa Building was that the march would endanger national security. Said Hanana:
<blockquote>
The following are the grounds for the rejection. One, the police said our application does not meet the seven-day notice.
Two, police said Munhumutapa Building is a very sensitive and highly protected place to entertain such a demonstration.
Three, police said demonstrations within the CBD area are banned until further notice.
As a party, we are going to be finding means to protest against the direction the country is taking under ZANU, we cannot be misruled comfortably.
This march has been viewed as a threat to national security. We will amend and fight on.
</blockquote>
ZAPU blames the ZANU PF-led Government for the economic challenges that have forced millions of Zimbabweans to leave the country over the years.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/police-ban-zapu-protest-march/">CITE</a></h4>

Police Ban ZAPU Protest March To Munhumutapa Offices

<h2>Full statement by ZAPU national spokesperson, Msongelwa Ndlovu, on the violence and murder of Elvis Nyathi in Diepsloot, South Africa.</h2>
<blockquote>
7 April 2023
<h2>Violence and murder of Elvis Nyathi in Diepsloot, South Africa</h2>
ZAPU is disturbed by the violence targeted at foreign nationals in South Africa.
While we acknowledge the frustrations of the generality of South Africans owing to diminishing socioeconomic opportunities, we deeply deplore those few who are resorting to vigilanteism to hound fellow Africans and in some cases, as evidenced in Diepsloot, killing them.
We condemn in the strongest terms the murder of Elvis Nyathi by vigilantes who are taking the law into their own hands.
We call upon the South African justice system to quickly bring the perpetrators to book and account for this heinous act of brutality.
We further call upon humanitarian agencies all over the world to put a spotlight on the plight of immigrants in South Africa.
Every immigrant life matters, whether black or white, Zimbabwean or Ukranian.
As we mourn the death of Elvis, who was burnt to ashes by fellow Africans, we are reminded of the genesis of this immigration crisis.
Zimbabweans are scattered all over the world due to the incompetence, corruption and brutality of the ZANU PF regime led by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Those of our people who managed to escape the rogue regime are now being hunted like prey in foreign lands.
We call upon the African Union and SADC to help Zimbabweans by guaranteeing a free and fair election in 2023 so that we can elect a government of our choice without the manipulation of electoral processes by the incumbent government.
We implore SADC and the AU to quickly set up a task team to facilitate the necessary electoral and media reforms for 2023. These include the right of diaspora citizens to vote.
Meanwhile, we call upon our citizens to remain calm and respect the laws of South Africa, but more importantly, to make every effort to register to vote next year or at the very least, encourage friends and family to do so.
Our salvation lies in us reclaiming our country from ZANU PF.
ZAPU will continue engaging political and civic stakeholders to help our citizens in South Africa.
Today our leaders in South Africa will visit Diepsloot on a fact-finding mission to establish how we can help the family of the deceased.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

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