THE Durban CBD came to a standstill today as different political and civic organisations drew a crowd of thousands seeking justice from the management of Homii Lifestyle apartments following a fatal tragedy over a week ago.

Today would have been the twins Aphile and Aphelele’s birthday.

After the chanting and demands, the crowd swelled up, moving to the head office of the apartment, where the representative of Homii stepped out to accept the memorandum from the protesters. At this point the gathering was met with rubber bullets when the crowd tried to force their way inside the building.

On their list of demands, the protesters sought the release of the footage; evidence that the elevators in the building work properly; that the Dlamini family would not be abused while seeking justice; and the management to collaborate with law enforcement officials during the investigation.
The management were given 24 hours to meet the demands.
The father of the twins, Khaya Dlamini, when addressing the protesters, highlighted that there had been no support from management or the police.

“When we opened the case last week, I gave the statement, and there was no communication thereafter. I was later told that the statement went missing, and I had to do another one. I am here seeking justice for my children. Homii management must take accountability,” said Dlamini.
He added that the management was refusing to release footage of the incident. This was one issue that was inciting the protesters.
The Homii representative conveyed condolences to the family, and committed to working with the authorities on the case, which he said was under investigation.

The protesters moved to the SAPS Durban Central demanding to see the docket. SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda met the protesters. He assured the crowd that the case is being investigated, and will go to court soon, however the footage could not be released, as it forms part of the ongoing investigation.

Last year, a young woman fell to her fate, in the same fashion, and the mother was present at the protest. She reiterated Dlamini’s sentiments on how the building management has never shown any support after the tragedy.

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