A boy tragically lost his life earlier this week when playing with friends at a dilapidated house near his home.

Sibongumusa Mngomezulu’s (12) family told Middelburg Observer today that the incident occurred shortly after 17:00 on Tuesday, just after the electricity was restored following load-shedding.

Sibongumusa returned home from school at around 16:00 and went to play with his friend at a dilapidated house, about 70m from his home.

He and a group of about 15 boys were playing when a brick wall gave way. Upon hearing the screams, residents rushed to the scene.

The other children managed to escape, but sadly Sibongumusa was trapped beneath the rubble, with a serious skull fracture and injuries to his body.

Residents carefully removed him from the debris, unfortunately, he took his last breath minutes later.

The neglected property belonged to a resident who had been allocated an RDP house in Mokokotlong on Saturday.

According to a resolution passed by the council, when RDP beneficiaries receive a house, the municipality demolishes the existing structure to prevent people from moving in.

The family said the municipality arranges for a tractor-loader-backhoe to carry out the demolition, however, this did not happen, and they are now seeking answers.

They expressed disappointment that neither the area councillor nor the municipality have visited the family since the incident happened.

They mentioned that the chief whip of the EFF, Zandile Ngubeni, has spoken to the family and the party is assisting them.

At the time of publishing, the municipality could not be reached for comment on the incident.

Sibongumusa’s aunt told the Middelburg Observer that her brother has been deeply affected by the news of his son’s passing, and is struggling to eat and sleep. Their father is bedridden, and the family is apprehensive about sharing the news due to his fragile health.

Sibongumusa was a learner at Thushanang Primary School.

His family described him as a lovely, intelligent child, always eager to help those in need. He had a passion for soccer and was an avid supporter of the Kaizer Chiefs.

He is survived by his three sisters and parents. He will be laid to rest on Saturday.