Family gets closure as KZN man who died in Russia is buried at home

The remains of Sihle Makhaye who died in Russia after being lured into that country on a better job opportunity were laid to rest yesterday in Vukaphansi near Kranskop after the intervention of KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlement Siboniso Duma and other stakeholders.

Image: KZN Department of Transport

After more than two months of uncertainty and anguish, the body of a KwaZulu-Natal man who died in Russia has finally been returned home, allowing his family to give him a dignified burial.

Sihle Makhaye, 44, from Vukaphansi near Kranskop, was laid to rest on Friday following an extensive repatriation process involving officials from both South Africa and Russia.

Makhaye reportedly died in Russia on March 28 after travelling there as part of a group that had been promised employment opportunities.

According to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, Makhaye's body arrived at the Dube TradePort Cargo Terminal on Sunday after being flown from Russia on Friday last week.

The repatriation process began after Makhaye's wife, Sibonile Ndwandwe, made an emotional appeal in a WhatsApp voice note on April 8, asking Duma to assist in bringing her husband's body back home for burial.

Duma said the successful return of the deceased was the result of coordinated efforts by several stakeholders, including officials from his department, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his administration, as well as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

"This was a difficult task due to sanctions affecting the region, as well as language barriers between the countries involved. However, the team working on the matter managed to overcome these challenges and ensure that the body was returned home," said Duma.

He said preliminary information suggests that Makhaye had travelled to Russia under the impression that he would be offered employment opportunities. However, upon his arrival, he was allegedly presented with a one-year contract to participate in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

"It is alleged that he refused both the employment offer and the military contract. We are aware of the public interest in the circumstances surrounding these recruitment processes, but we will not comment further as the matter remains under investigation by national authorities, including the Hawks," Duma said.

He also acknowledged the role played by road safety awareness advocate and social activist Ayanda Msweli, who helped mobilise support and coordinate efforts to ensure Makhaye's remains were returned to South Africa.

Makhaye is survived by his widow and five children, aged between nine and 23 years.

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The mortal remains of Sihle Makhaye arrived in South Africa, bringing a sense of closure to a family that has endured immense pain. He was laid to rest yesterday in Vukaphansi near Kranskop.

Image: Supplied