Durban – Scores of protestors gathered outside the HOMii building on Dr Pixley KaSeme Street in Durban on Monday morning, demanding justice for a family whose twins fell into a lift shaft on October 18. The tragic incident resulted in the death of one child, Aphelele Dlamini, at the scene, while his twin sister, Aphile, remains in a coma in hospital.
The children's father, Khaya Dlamini, has voiced his anguish and is demanding accountability from HOMii regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident. He is particularly insistent on obtaining CCTV footage of the incident.
"We need justice. We need to see the footage for ourselves. We want to know what happened to our children," Dlamini told IOL. "Law enforcement should play its part during this investigation. HOMii and its management should be held accountable, and their criminal ways should be exposed."
Dlamini also expressed his gratitude to those who came out to support his grieving family during this difficult time.
The protestors, fuelled by anger and grief, chanted slogans calling for tenants to vacate the building and even called for it to be burned down.
The KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (SAPS) have confirmed that they are still investigating the incident and have yet to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
"The matter is still under investigation," said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
However, for the Dlamini family, the ongoing investigation offers little comfort as Aphile continues to fight for her life in hospital. The children's aunt, Thuli Dlamini, expressed the family's devastation, saying she could not put into words the depth of their grief.
"We're protesting today because we have not received justice. The police took the statement from us at the mortuary but now they claim that it has gone missing," she said.
Thuli Dlamini also raised concerns about the handling of the investigation, stating, "We need additional investigators to explain to us what is going on here. We are extremely hurt as a family, and we arrived to see a bloodbath where the children fell. We don't understand because everything has been removed."
Another family member, Thokozani Shelembe, echoed the frustration and pain felt by the Dlamini family, directing his anger towards both HOMii and law enforcement.
"I came here from Howick to support my brother-in-law at this difficult time," Shelembe said. "What is extremely hurtful is that the owner of the flat never showed up until we buried Aphelele on Saturday. The father has to go switch off the machines at the hospital, which is extremely difficult."
In a statement issued on October 21, HOMii acknowledged the incident and extended its condolences to the family.
"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 of HOMii also stated that safety remains its top priority. "We confirm that the safety and wellbeing of all our residents and community members remain our utmost priority," the statement read.
The investigation into the tragic incident is ongoing, and the Dlamini family, along with the protestors, are demanding answers and accountability from both HOMii and the police. The community is closely watching the developments as the family seeks justice for Aphelele and prays for Aphile's recovery.
Follow Us on Twitter
