Watch: Emotional send-off for slain Siyabonga Buthelezi

The man suspected of shooting Siyabonga in Windmill Park will appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on January 16 for a bail application.

January 14, 2020

Ntombikayise Sibeko 2 minutes read

Putting Siyabonga's favourite blue teddy bear inside the casket is his mother, Uzelle Maine, while Siyabonga's father, Schoeman Buthelezi looks on during Siyabonga's funeral service in Windmill Park on January 11. Comforting both parents is Pastor Romika Hank of Living Waters Multipurpose Church.

Hundreds of mourners from Windmill Park, Reiger Park and as far as Katlehong came together to bid farewell to Siyabonga Buthelezi, who was laid to rest on January 11.

Siyabonga, 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 boy was caught in the crossfire.

ALSO READ: Watch: 11-month-old boy fatally shot by suspected rival gangs

Before the funeral service started at 9am, Siyabonga’s body was taken to his parents’ home in Natalspruit as part of the families’ tradition.

The body was then transported to Siyabonga’s grandmother’s house in Windmill Park, where the funeral service was held.

During the service, tears were shed by close family, friends and neighbours as they remembered the few months they shared with Siyabonga.

A brown casket exclusively made for Siyabonga by Patrick Pietersen Funeral Services was placed in front of mourners in a marquee tent.

His feeding bottle filled with orange juice as well a pacifier was placed on top of the casket, with some wreaths.

A table which was a few metres away from the casket held flowers and pictures depicting happier times for Siyabonga.

Religious leaders who spoke during the funeral service took the opportunity to convey messages condemning violence in Windmill Park.

Windmill Park resident Lena Klassen said this was a sad time for them as a community because what happened to the Buthelezi family affected them as well.

Siyabonga Buthelezi’s siblings carry their little brother’s coffin as well as his framed picture at the Rondebult Cemetery. The 11-month-old boy was caught in the crossfire after suspected rival gangs allegedly opened fire at each other in Windmill Park.

“I think it’s time that as a community we come together and fight against the social ills in our area. Young people should flee from making bad choices or being part of the wrong group because the choices they make tend to negatively affect their family and community,” Klassen said.

Windmill Park pastor Herold Hank of Living Waters Multipurpose Church, who officiated the funeral, urged young people from the area to stop being part of gangs and abusing substances.

“When a person lives by a gun or knife they die by a gun or knife. The community won’t be safe until everyone makes a decision to live a decent life free from gangs and substance abuse,” Hank said.

Bidding farewell to her son is Uzelle Maine, throwing flowers inside Siyabonga’s grave at the Rondebult Cemetery on January 11.

When Hank was finished preaching, it was time for family members and friends to view the deceased for the last time.

Siyabonga’s mother, Uzelle Maine, kissed her son one last time and put Siyabonga’s feeding bottle and a blue teddy bear inside the coffin.

Patrick Pietersen, owner of Patrick Pietersen Funeral Services, comforts Siybonga Buthelezi’s aunt, Vincia Maine, during Siya’s funeral service held in Windmill Park on January 11.

He was laid to rest at the Rondebult Cemetery.

The Buthelezi family expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who reached out to the family by donating and also those who sent condolences.

Community leader Leon Rooi from the Windmill Park Greater Civic Association also thanked Patrick Pietersen Funeral Services, Sunward Park Pick n Pay, Shoprite Checkers in Boksburg, Chantel Hoque and the greater Windmill Park community for their donations.