Baby dies from exposure
A nine-month-old baby died of exposure as the cold struck at the heart of the destitute last week.
Mashau Makhuvele died from hypothermia.
The baby’s mother, Girly Mbuyane, told www.mobserver.co.za that her child had chest problems which were exacerbated by them moving into a tent after their shacks were demolished by the Red Ants two weeks ago.
Ms Mbuyane and about 400 other squatter families were evicted from their homes after an eviction order was obtained by the property owner.
Only after the Red Ants pounced, the municipality realised it now had a crisis on hand, and a special council sitting had to be called for more money to be availed to the municipal disaster relief fund, in order to supply more tents.
“At about 04:00 I noticed that she was struggling to breathe. Her breathing was rapid. She passed away at 06:00 after fighting for her life,” her mother said through tears.
The baby’s father, Joseph Makhuvele, blames their situation for the child’s passing.
“I feel defeated, these tents are not fit for children, baby Mashau was a healthy baby. Her little body could not handle the cold weather. I still cannot believe she is gone, ” said Mr Makhuvele.
Also read: WATCH: ‘We are treated as foreigners in our own country!’ – Tented camps for informal residents
Community leader Xolani Shambell said he had to leave work early when he received the horrifying news.
“My son is a year old and he is also sick. We were better off in our shacks where we could warm ourselves, at least. We are more determined than ever to occupy the farm,” Mr Shambell warns.
Baby Mashau was laid to rest at the Nasaret Cemetery on Friday at 08:00.
The eviction order was set aside by the High Court two days after the forceful eviction on October 24.
The squatters, however, say they are unable to move back to the farm because their building materials were damaged during the evictions.
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