Distraught relatives of Janice Bronwyn Linden, the South African executed in China yesterday morning, will have only her ashes with which to console themselves.
Linden, 37, was killed by lethal injection after being found guilty of possessing 3kg of crystal methamphetamine.
Two of her sisters, who were allowed to see her briefly before the execution, will return home either today or tomorrow, according to a relative who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that Linden's ashes had been given to her family.
Residents of the Durban suburb of Wentworth, where Linden lived, expressed shock at "the callous killing" yesterday and spoke of protesting against her death.
Aubrey Snyman said: "There's a need to express our outrage to our government and the Chinese. I, unfortunately, am without much influence, but I would gladly join a picket outside a government department or Chinese government building.
"We must not let this one go by without anyone taking a stand against the Chinese," he said.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesman Clayson Monyela reiterated that South Africa had done what it could to save Linden but the laws of China had to be respected.
"The law of China had to take its course and we respect that. The said person tried everything, approaching even the Supreme Court of that country.
"As much as we don't agree with the death penalty, the laws of China had to be respected."
He said Linden's execution would not derail South Africa's relationship with China.
When The Times arrived at Linden's home, reporters were told politely to leave because "the family was still in shock".
Neighbours peered through their fences and directed people to the Lindens' family home but none wanted to talk about the death of the 37-year-old.
Three men who said they were Linden's brothers said: "If the media want to get our view about the incident they should give us some time [in which to regain composure]."
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