Keeper's body to be returned to Africa after businessman's donation

Dalu Mncube. Photo / Beck Vass

The family of Dalu Mncube will get their wish after a Northland businessman pledged the balance of the money needed to send the wildlife keeper's body back to Africa.

Mr Mncube, 26, died last week after being mauled by a tiger as cleaned its enclosure at the Zion Wildlife Gardens in Whangarei.

The Zimbabwe Association of New Zealand began a public appeal last weekend for funds to send his body home and about $5700 of the estimated $10,000 to $12,000 required had been raised yesterday. Car dealer Mark Cromie today said he had offered to provide the balance.

"It had to happen," he said.

"We couldn't wait for the money to come in because it might be two months and it's important to get the body back straight away."

Mr Cromie said his company had been involved with Zion in the past with sponsorship.

As well, lions had appeared on the Holden dealership's premises in a promotion.

He had met Mr Mncube and described him as someone who had done a great job at the wildlife park, and helping with returning his body was a way of saying thank you.

Mr Mncube's body is expected to leave Auckland on Monday.

Apart from the financial donation, Mr Cromie was also helping the family with the copious paperwork involved in the flight.

A four-time jet boating world champion, he said doing paperwork was something he was well versed in, having transported boats to races.

Mr Mncube's family had been anxious to have his body returned to Africa as it would allow his mother to pay her last respects and have closure in the case.

It had also been Mr Mncube's wish.

One of his brothers, Fortune Shumba, said the family greatly appreciated what Mr Cromie was doing.

"They are really happy," he said.

"Getting the body back will be the most exciting news to them."

- NZPA