The death of former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko on December 6th in India, where he was receiving medical treatment, has cast a long shadow, not only on the nation but also within his own family. His passing at the age of 84, and subsequent burial at his Bulawayo home last Sunday, has been overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of his son, Siqokoqela, an absence he explains in a candid interview.
In an exclusive interview with Southern Eye on Sunday, Siqokoqela revealed the deep rift that had existed between himself and his father for the past two years of his life. He explained his decision to stay away from the funeral not as a personal choice, but as a direct result of his father’s explicit instructions.
“I did not attend my father’s funeral as I was fulfilling his wish,” Siqokoqela stated. He elaborated, “He told me through messages and conversations that if any member of our family dies, I should not set foot there.” He added simply, “He made his choices, and I made mine. This is why I didn’t attend the funeral.”
The breakdown in their relationship stemmed from what Siqokoqela describes as “false accusations” levelled against him, culminating in a rape case that ultimately saw him acquitted. He had been accused of raping his 12-year-old niece on three occasions at his Hillside home. However, in October of this year, the High Court overturned both the conviction and the 20-year sentence.
Siqokoqela maintains his innocence, highlighting inconsistencies in the accusations.
“There was a lot that didn’t add up in the accusations,” he said. “There are court transcripts and evidence showing inconsistencies. For instance, the timeline of the alleged incident and the child’s testimony didn’t align. Even during that time, my father referred to a ‘case hanging over my head’ through a lawyer. What case? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
He provided Southern Eye with WhatsApp messages and court recordings to support his claims.
He believes these accusations were part of a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and estrange him from his family.
“It wasn’t just an attack on me — it was an attack on my entire lineage and my children,” he explained. “My kids are at critical ages right now. They need both parents, and I have fought hard to be there for them.”
Siqokoqela learned of his father’s death from a Zanu PF member, a call that came shortly after the news broke. “I wasn’t even aware that he was in India or that he was sick,” he said. “Nobody from his side communicated with me. When I got the call, I was confused and had to process the news quietly. I wasn’t surprised, though. This was the path we had taken as a family.”
Criticism arose on social media regarding Siqokoqela’s decision to post about business matters on X shortly after his father’s passing, rather than publicly mourning. He dismissed this criticism, stating, “Life continues. My focus remains on my children and my work. I have been living this way for years, by the grace of God. Nothing has changed.”
When asked about his feelings towards his father, Siqokoqela’s response was raw and honest.
“How do you come back from that? How do you recover from something like this? It’s not easy,” he said. “It feels like a divorce. I don’t want to be a hypocrite or a liar. I’m speaking from my heart and soul.”
He acknowledged the tragedy of their unresolved conflict, stating, “It’s unfortunate that he is no longer here, but I saw no reason to attend the funeral when I was told I wasn’t welcome.”
He remains resolute in his focus on rebuilding his reputation and providing for his family. “For the past three or four years I have been fighting to clear my name and rebuild my life,” he said. “My energy is now focused on my children, my business, and building my legacy.”
