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Mourners gathered on Saturday to bid farewell to seven-year-old Aphelele Dlamini, who tragically died after falling into a lift shaft at the HOMii building in Durban’s Pixley ka Seme Street on October 18.
His twin sister, Aphile, who also fell while they were playing, remains in hospital in a critical condition.
The Dlamini family, still reeling from the devastating loss, described Aphelele as a treasured son, brother and friend who brought joy to everyone around him.
The family said they were ‘shattered beyond words’ as they laid him to rest.
In a statement issued ahead of the funeral, the family expressed heartfelt gratitude to South Africans who have stood in solidarity with them during their grief.
“We are deeply grateful to every South African who has stood up for Aphelele and Aphile,” they said.
They expressed gratitude praised the public’s compassion and unity. “Your voices, your outrage, and your solidarity have turned pain into purpose. In the face of injustice, you chose action,” the family said.
The Dlaminis also thanked the public for their continued support in demanding accountability following the fatal incident.
“Thank you for refusing to look away. Thank you for demanding justice. Thank you for honouring their lives,” the statement read.
The children’s father Khaya Dlamini told IOL that his family’s world has been torn apart since the tragedy.
“We are traumatised and sadly we are still staying in the very same apartment,” Dlamini said. “We see where our son died and where our daughter got injured every day.”
Dlamini also expressed his sorrow and grief for the children’s mother. “All this little joy we had is gone. It’s hard for me as a man. To you who carried them for nine months, it is too much. Be strong my wife.”
HOMii Lifestyle Management, released a statement on October 21, confirming the incident.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the parents and their families during this incredibly difficult time,” the company said. “We also extend our sincerest prayers for the recovery of the child that remains in hospital.”
The management said safety remains its highest concern. “We confirm that the safety and wellbeing of all our residents and community members remain our utmost priority.”
IOL News
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