Limpopo toddler dies after falling into water-filled bin

LIMPOPO – A tragic incident occurred in Xigalo Mahlambandlopfu village, Malamulele last Friday, when the 20-month-old Xivono Hlungwani lost her life after reportedly falling into a refuse bin that was used to store water amid ongoing water challenges in the area.

According to preliminary investigations, the toddler wandered off while her mother was busy with chores. After a few minutes, the mother and other family members realised she was missing.

They searched and found her inside a refuse bin full of water. Despite being immediately pulled out, she showed no signs of life. Local community members and the family blame the accident on the unavailability of water in the area.

Read more: Vhembe police investigate the death of a toddler

Due to the taps often running dry for weeks, families in the community, including Xivono’s, had to store water in various containers, such as refuse bins and water drums.

Approached for comment, the mother, Hlayisani Hlungwani, was too traumatised to speak and referred CV to her neighbour, Portia Khosa who expressed their disbelief over the incident.

“Her life was cut short due to the inconsistent water supply. Xivono, which means vision, was a loving child who used to visit my house.”

She said the toddler was buried on May 29 at her home.

Ward 26 councillor John Baloyi sent his condolences to Xivono’s family and stated that water issues in the village were being addressed, with sufficient boreholes now being available.

“We have arranged counselling for the family,” he added.

Lieutenant Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for the police in Limpopo, confirmed the incident and stated that it is being investigated by the Malamulele Police Station. He explained that the police arrived at the scene to find the toddler’s lifeless body inside the house.

“EMS personnel were summoned and declared the toddler dead upon arrival,” said Ledwaba.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and alert regarding their children’s safety.

Meanwhile, Moses Shibambu, spokesperson for the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), announced that they are upgrading water supply infrastructure in the village.

The project to refurbish the Malamulele East water treatment works has been put out on tender, and once completed, the rotational water supply system in the area will no longer be necessary.

Shibambu also noted the existence of many illegal water connections in Xigalo village and appealed to residents to report such cases to the municipality.