Another blow for little Imthande’s family
THE Khayelitsha family of Imthande Swartbooi who drowned after falling through an uncovered manhole are preparing to travel and bury their child in three days, and say they are yet to receive counselling for their trauma.
This is despite Mayco member for water and waste Xanthea Limberg claiming on Thursday that counselling had been offered to the family.
The 2-year-old fell into an open sewage drain a few metres away from his Greenpoint home in Khayelitsha on Sunday afternoon. He was declared dead on arrival at the Site B Clinic.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said police opened an inquest for further investigation.
Imthande's 76-year-old grandmother Nongathini Swartbooi was admitted to hospital the same day, her health deteriorating after hearing about her grandson's death. She died 24 hours later.
Residents came out in their numbers on Saturday to support the Swartbooi family during a memorial service. A projector displayed pictures and videos of the child and his grandmother.
Imthande's uncle, Nkosikhona, an activist working for the Social Justice Coalition (SJC), said because they were still busy with funeral and memorial service preparations the family had not had time to mourn their loved ones. “Everything just happened so fast. “One moment we were shocked with one death and then we were dealt another blow.
“When city's Limberg and Mayor Dan Plato visited we were promised counselling but we are still waiting for that, especially for my nephew's parents. We are also still in conversation with the official with regards to the funeral contributions for Imthande's burial. He said the family was informed that the City had a policy to support the family of a loved one in circumstances like theirs. The toddler will be buried on Thursday, and the grandmother at the weekend in Eastern Cape.
Another uncle, Malusi Swartbooi explained that the funeral contribution was separate to the damages claim they would pursue.
“Lawyers are in place and we will deal with that when we are back from the Eastern Cape.”
Mayco member for water and waste Xanthea Limberg on Thursday said Plato and herself met with the family to personally convey their condolences. She said counselling had been offered to the family and the mayor indicated that burial assistance would be provided to the family.
She said the city supported a full, formal investigation into the circumstances leading to Imthande's death.
“The City respects that process and is assisting the SAPS with their investigation wherever possible. The investigation is under way.”