‘They Died in Flames, But Not in Vain’: Community Mourns with Mzendana Family After Arson Tragedy

A wave of sorrow swept through the community last Friday as Ntombizanele Mzendana(61) Kolosa Mzendana (34) Akhanani Mzendana (5) were laid to rest following a horrifying arson attack that claimed their lives.

The funeral service, held under a large marquee, drew hundreds of mourners including political leaders, clergy, and friends who came to pay their final respects to Kholosa Mzendana, her child, and her mother , all tragically killed in a fire allegedly set by Kholosa’s partner and father of her child, Vuyo Langman.

Mayor Princess Faku of the ANC attended the service, standing in solidarity with the grieving family. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), where Kolosa was an active member, were also present in numbers, paying tribute to one of their own a woman remembered as fearless, outspoken, and deeply committed to the fight for justice.

The funeral was dignified and deeply spiritual. Reverends from various churches offered comfort through prayer, and multiple funeral parlours came together to support the bereaved family, donating services and resources to ensure the victims were laid to rest with honour. But even amidst the order and ceremony, the pain was unmistakable.

“It was heartbreaking to see three caskets lined up like that,” one mourner whispered. “Even though the burial was done privately by the family, the sadness hung thick in the air. You could feel it.”Inside the marquee, tributes flowed from family and close friends words that were both beautiful and devastating, each one a reminder of the lives cut short. Many spoke through tears, some unable to finish their messages as emotion took over.

Kholosa was remembered not just as a comrade, but as a loving mother, a sister, and a vibrant soul whose life was taken in the most brutal way. The man accused of the arson, Vuyo Langman, appeared in court on 5 May, where he withdrew his bail application. The case has since been postponed to 29 July. The community has welcomed the move but continues to demand justice not just for the Mzendanas, but for all victims of gender-based violence and domestic The community may never forget the horror of that night but they will also never forget the strength, love, and light of the ones they lost.