The Burial of Lawrence Sbusiso: A Controversial Cultural Rite
The tragic story of Lawrence Sbusiso, a young man who died by suicide, has reignited conversations around traditional practices surrounding such deaths. In his community, the Zulu culture dictates a strict and unconventional approach to the burial of individuals who take their own lives.
Lawrence’s burial process reflected this deeply ingrained cultural tradition, which aims to deter the “spirit of suicide” from taking hold in the society
A Departure from Traditional Funerals
In Zulu tradition, a suicide death is seen as a grave offense against both the family and the community. Unlike ordinary funerals, where families gather to mourn and honor the deceased with respect, Lawrence’s passing was met with rituals designed to demonstrate disapproval of his final act.
These practices are believed to serve as a warning to others and ensure that the deceased does not return to haunt the living.
The burial of Lawrence began with his uncles, who were summoned immediately upon the discovery of his body. The uncles, arriving from his maternal side, took on the grim task of “disciplining” the deceased. This ritual involved whipping the body with large canes, a symbolic act meant to express the community’s anger and to prevent the deceased’s spirit from lingering. The focus of the whipping, which targeted areas like the legs and buttocks, was not to damage the body but to replicate how a child might be disciplined for wrongdoing.
“We believe this sends a clear message to the spirit of the deceased that they are no longer welcome among the living,” explained a community elder.
Burial in Secrecy and Contempt
Once the “disciplining” was completed, Lawrence’s body was hurriedly moved to the farthest corner of the compound, away from the family’s home. In the case of suicide, burial must occur in a banana plantation or another secluded area, ensuring the grave remains out of sight.
Unlike a traditional grave, which is dug with care and marked with a mound of soil, Lawrence’s resting place was nothing more than a flat hole. The community members involved in the burial worked swiftly, chanting curses to banish the spirit of suicide from their land.
His body, unwashed and left in the same state as it was found, was pushed into the hole unceremoniously. There was no dressing in special burial garments, no cleansing, and no adornments. If the deceased was found naked, they would be buried as such—a stark indication of the lack of respect afforded in these circumstances.
Nighttime Burial to Prevent Haunting
The burial took place under the cover of darkness. The community believes that burying someone who died by suicide during the day could allow their spirit to “see the light” and find its way back to the living. Conducting the burial at night is seen as a way to ensure the spirit does not return.
Only elders were allowed to attend the burial, with strict instructions for younger members of the community to stay far away. Elders believe that the spirit of the deceased hovers during the burial and may target younger individuals who might be vulnerable to similar thoughts.
Erasing All Traces
After the burial, the grave was flattened, leaving no visible trace. Grass or crops were planted over the site to symbolize that life continues uninterrupted despite the loss. Community members were forbidden from mourning publicly, and those who shed tears had to undergo cleansing rituals to avoid being cursed.
Even the family was instructed to move on as though nothing had happened. Any gatherings of condolence were discouraged, and visitors were sent away with the message that no funeral was taking place.
The Cultural Perspective
Elders in Lawrence’s community defend these harsh practices as a means of preserving the sanctity of life and deterring others from considering suicide. “The way we handle these cases sends a clear message that life is sacred and should not be taken lightly,” one elder stated.
Despite the cultural justification, these practices have sparked debate, with critics arguing that such treatment adds to the stigma surrounding mental health issues and prevents individuals from seeking help.
As Lawrence Sbusiso’s story continues to be discussed, it sheds light on the intersection of tradition, mental health, and the evolving understanding of how communities should approach such sensitive matters. Whether seen as necessary or cruel, the burial of Lawrence stands as a testament to the complex ways culture can shape how we respond to tragedy.