Funeral parlour in Reiger Park to cover some funeral costs of slain baby
The baby's father, Schoeman Buthelezi, highlighted that they are still in need of assistance in terms of food and transport for the day of the funeral.
After reading about Siyabonga’s Buthelezi’s story on the Advertiser’s website, the Reiger Park-based Patrick Pietersen Funeral Services took it upon itself to bury little Siya with dignity.
This comes after the family made an appeal to funeral parlours, bus companies and food stores to help bury their son due their financial constraints.
READ STORY: Watch: 11-month-old boy fatally shot by suspected rival gangs
Siyabonga Buthelezi, who was 11 months old, died in hospital on January 3 after being shot by a stray bullet when suspected rival gangs allegedly opened fire at each other in Windmill Park.
The 11-month-old boy was caught in the crossfire.
Patrick Pietersen, the owner of the funeral services, said when he heard about the tragedy he felt the need to reach out to the bereaved family.
“I was very much touched by the story because I am also a father and grandfather. I couldn’t just sit and do nothing because I know the loss of a loved one is never easy,” Pietersen said.
He highlighted that they will assist with necessary documentation, flowers, coffin, grave, tent, pamphlets and funeral vehicles.
In the midst of her grief, Siyabonga’s mother, Uzelle Maine, expressed her sincere gratitude to the funeral services for responding to their appeal.
“We have received enormous condolences messages from the public and we appreciate it,” Maine said.
Anyone who can assist may contact the family on 084 236 4456 or 074 575 8812, or Leon Rooi (community leader) on 079 984 5044.
Here are some of the Facebook comments from the Advertiser’s readers who were touched by the story.
- Deirdre Barnard, “So heartbreaking, RIP precious Angel.”
- Gladys De Vries, “Why this story did not hit any of the news headlines, this is the youngest victim in our country that is killed in a crossfire.”
- Smangele Kubheka, “Sad indeed.”
- Stash Holland, “This killed me. How can we help these people?”
- Yvonne Dow Van Schalkwyk, “So so sad, may God be with the family.”
