BOIPATONG. – Mitah Molete, a wheelchair-bound 34-year-old victim of the Boipatong Massacre, does not believe that the recently deceased former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, should be hailed as a hero.

Buthelezi’s death has sparked a debate among residents of the Vaal Triangle about the 1992 Boipatong Massacre.

During that tragic event, Buthelezi and his associates affiliated with the IFP swept through the township, committing acts of violence such as hacking, stabbing, burning, and shooting.

On the night of June 17, 1992, forty-five people lost their lives, and several were maimed.

Molete was only three years old when she was hacked on the head by one of the assailants. She recalls her father being killed that night, while her mother was left injured.

“I can’t say that I remember exactly what happened on that day, as I was still a toddler. I only know what my mother told me. All I can say is that the events that took place on that day changed my life forever.”

Molete believes that if she had not been a victim of the massacre, her life would have taken a different path.

“I might have fulfilled my dreams, started a family, and perhaps pursued a successful career. Being wheelchair-bound is not easy at all.

Currently, I am unable to attend physiotherapy due to financial struggles. I can’t afford the transportation costs to get me to physio.”

Speaking about Buthelezi, Molete expresses her shock that he never took the time to come to Boipatong and make amends with the victims.

“He never apologized. He should not be hailed as a hero. When I heard the news of his death, I felt nothing because we were never given an explanation for why that night had to happen.”

Like Molete, many others have voiced their anger over the lack of responsibility from Buthelezi’s side, stating that they feel nothing about his death. However, they still express the wish for his soul to rest in peace.

Buthelezi is expected to be laid to rest on Saturday, 16 September.