Scared moms skip kids’ funeral

Sisters feared reprisals – police

Residents of Alexandra had pleaded with the authorities to release the mothers of four children who burned to death when their house caught fire.

Bongiwe Ngubeni, 31, and her sister Nelisiwe Fihlani, 28, could not attend the funeral of their children yesterday after they were denied bail by the Alexandra magistrate’s court.

The pair were charged with culpable homicide, child abuse and child neglect, following the deaths of Nonhlanhla Ngubeni, 7, Sandile Ngubeni, 4, Amukelani Ngubeni, 2, and Mbalenhle Fihlani, 5.

The children died in the early hours of last Sunday when their two-roomed home caught fire. They were left home alone – with the oldest child being a 14-year-old brother – as their mothers allegedly went out drinking at a local shebeen.

During the children’s funeral service on Thursday, the women’s neighbour told mourners that the incident was a mistake that could have happened to anyone.

“The mothers grew up in front of me until they had children. They loved their children. There is no need to judge them. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone has their own problems,” the neighbour said.

“We are asking the government to set them free so they can look after the children who were left behind.

“There is no need to punish them further because God has already punished them.”

Her statements were met by loud applause, with mourners agreeing with her.

As many wondered why the mothers did not get detention break to attend the funeral, Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele delivered a surprise message.

He said the mothers refused to attend the funeral.

“They said they feared for their lives. They chose not to attend,” Makhubele said.

Other speakers at the service, including Gauteng MEC for social development Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, also described the incident as a mistake. She said she was happy to learn that the mothers loved their children.

“We say today indeed it was an accident ... a mistake. Who are we not to forgive?” Mayathula-Khoza asked.

Local councillor Moses Pandeka urged the community to forgive the mothers.

“Let’s forgive. Tomorrow it could be you,” he said.

The kids were buried at Waterfall Cemetery in Midrand.

/ VELI NHLAPO The funeral service of four children who died when their home caught fire brought the community of Alexandra together on Thursday. The service was held at Thusong Youth Centre at 12th Avenue.