Phalaborwa family appeals for help to bury toddler who drowned
The Mabunda family is asking for donations after their two-year-old son fell into a rainwater-filled pit and drowned in their Lulekani home.
PHALABORWA – The Mabunda family of Humulani in Lulekani has appealed to the public for donations to assist with burial arrangements following the tragic death of their two-year-old toddler, Tolerance Mabunda, who drowned after falling into a pit filled with rainwater.
The incident occurred at the family’s home on Sunday, January 18, following heavy rainfall that left several open pits filled with water.
The family’s devastation
The child’s father, Nyiko Mabunda, said the family is facing severe financial hardship and is struggling to cope with the loss.
“We are asking for any form of donations to help us bury our beloved son. No one in the household is working, and we were surviving on the child’s social grant. We have nothing,” said Mabunda.
He explained that at the time of the incident, the child’s mom was cooking in the kitchen, which is located a short distance from the pit hole, while the toddler was playing nearby.
“When the mom went to fetch dishes for serving food, the child disappeared. She thought he was still playing, as he had been on the other side of the yard. Everything happened very fast. We searched for him for about 20 to 30 minutes. By the time we found him inside the pit, it was already too late,” Mabunda said.
Visibly distressed, Mabunda said the family is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
“I am not okay. I cannot even sleep. We are heartbroken. It is not easy for us to accept what happened,” he added.
Details regarding the funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
Local mayors offer condolences
Mopani District Municipality Mayor Pule Shayi, together with Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality Mayor Merriam Malatji, visited the Mabunda household to offer emotional support and convey their deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
Members of the public who wish to assist the Mabunda family can contact Nyiko at 072 610 0736.
A second flood-related death
Meanwhile, flood-related tragedies continue to claim lives across the Phalaborwa area. A 47-year-old man from Namakgale, Ward 19, lost his life, with circumstances surrounding his death still under investigation. It is suspected that he may have been swept away by floodwaters.
Malatji and Shayi also paid a courtesy visit to the bereaved Mhlongo family to express condolences and provide support.
The grieving family is currently awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death. Malatji assured the family that the municipality would continue to work closely with them during this difficult period.
