Durban father speaks of tragic loss of son, injuries to daughter in lift shaft incident
Seven-year-old twins Aphelele and Aphile. A Durban family is demanding answers after Aphelele died and his sister Aphile was critically injured when they fell into a broken lift shaft at an apartment complex in Durban.
Image: Khaya Dlamini / Facebook
A Durban couple, who should have been preparing for their twins' birthday on Monday, October 27, instead had to hold a funeral for their young son who died after he fell into a lift shaft at an apartment complex.
The seven-year-old's twin sister also fell and remains in hospital with critical injuries. The incident occurred at the HOMii Flats in the Durban CBD on October 18.
Speaking during his son’s funeral on Saturday, Khaya Dlamini said the tragedy struck just as the family was beginning to recover from a difficult period.
“This Monday, the 27th, is their (twins) birthday, and they had just been recovering from their mother's sickness. She was in the hospital for six months. She had just gotten better. Now we are then faced with this situation,” he said.
He spoke with deep emotion about his bond with his children Aphile and Aphelele, and the pain of losing his son. “I love my children. Not a day went by that I did not make time for them. I always spend time with them. My children are everything to me. I'm deeply hurt, I can't even sleep,” he said.
Remembering his late son, he added: “Aphelele was smart. His future was very bright and at school he was doing very well. He was a high-spirited child. Even his peers liked him so much.”
Dlamini also thanked those who have offered support since the tragedy. “I thank everyone for the support we have received. We are grateful for the love, support, and Ubuntu,” he said.
However, he has expressed frustration with the handling of the case by the police and says he has not been able to obtain CCTV footage of the incident.
“The investigators are really not helping. I’ve been pushing the investigator, and she ended up saying something really hurtful to me and told me I should focus on the funeral. Also, the statement that I made to the police when I was at the Addington mortuary has apparently gone missing,” he said.
The Management Team at HOMii Lifestyle said in a recent statement that the incident is being investigated.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the parents and their families during this incredibly difficult time. We also extend our sincerest prayers for the recovery of the child that remains in hospital. We confirm that the safety and well-being of all our residents and community members remain our utmost priority.”
The management said a full investigation into the matter is currently underway. “We are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities and will continue to engage openly and transparently throughout the process.”
“In the interim, our team is willing to provide counselling and emotional support to those affected. We remain in direct contact with the family and have made ourselves available to assist in any way possible. As this is now a legal matter, we are unable to provide further details at this stage. We ask for understanding and privacy for all those involved,” the statement read.