The skies cry for little Anelisa
DIEPSLOOT - Anelisa Mkhonto (5), the toddler who was found dead under a heap of rubbish in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, finally received her headstone on 16 November over a year since she was laid to rest.
During a small ceremony held at the toddler’s home before heading through the rainy precession to Mkhonto’s final resting place, Pastor Paul Phethle of the Diepsloot Word Centre Church spoke words of condolences to the Mkhonto family. “God must raise this community, lift this family and make another Anelisa who will grow up to graduate and uplift this community,” said Phetehle.
Mkhonto was the first of three victims in the horrific killings that shook the Diepsloot community last year. Cousins Yonalisa Mali (2) and Zandile Mali (3) were also found dead in a make shift toilet after falling prey to Ntokozo Hadebe. Hadbebe was sentenced to nine life sentences, plus an additional 15 years in jail for the killings of all three girls.
The toddler received her gravestone through the efforts of government and through funding from the private sector. MMC for health and human development for the City of Johannesburg, Nonceba Molwele attended the unveiling. Molwele said the unveiling is a way to ensure that Mkhonto is buried with the dignity she deserves and that it is a prelaunch to the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children campaign which takes place from 25 November to 10 December. “We are not too concerned about dates. The call for no violence should not just be on the 16 days,” said Molwele.
Molwele said she applauds the decision to have murderer Hadbebe behind bars because it means that not only is Diepsloot better off, but Johannesburg as a whole is better off. She is calling on all citizens to expose such people.
Prior to her murder, the toddler was living with her grandparents who are both pensioners and seven family members including twin cousins Siphosihle and Siphosonke Mcubuse who do not have any birth certificates. Out of the nine family members residing in the shack, only one is employed on a casual basis. Molwlele said the government is working with authorities to ensure the twins receive the correct documentation so they can receive their grants. She said they are working with non=profit organisations to ensure that the family receives food on a regular basis and is helping assist the family to receive a house.
