Lesotho family’s three-year-old still not buried six months after tragic shack fire in SA

Six months after a devastating shack fire that claimed the life of three-year-old Kamogelo Nthakong, her grieving family is still unable to lay her to rest.

The family, originally from Lesotho and now living in an informal settlement in Gauteng, has been without permanent shelter since the fire in October 2024.

The tragedy was brought into focus on Tuesday during a media briefing by Soil of Africa (SOA).

Speaking to The Citizen, SOA national chair Bongani Ramontja said the situation is dire.

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Child’s remains at local hospital

According to Ramontja, the Maleka family is facing multiple challenges.

“They are struggling with a lot — proper housing, food and clothes, and finance for the burial of their daughter,” he said.

The family’s lack of legal documentation as Lesotho nationals has prevented them from accessing essential services.

“No documentation so far. That’s one of the reasons why the burial process is being delayed,” said Ramontja.

Ramontja added that the three-year-old’s body remains at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane.

“They are planning to bury their daughter here in South Africa, at their respective informal settlement where they are staying at this moment.”

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Nowhere to stay

Ramontja said the family has no permanent residence.

“So far, the family has no place to stay. They go around renting shacks,” he said.

He added that while some community members had tried to assist, “because all of them in the community are not well financially, they couldn’t offer enough support”.

The family has also been battling food insecurity, inadequate clothing and no money to cover funeral logistics.

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Call for help

“The family approached us to help because Saps and other officials took them from pillar to post.

“Few community members have tried to assist, but due to financial hardship, they couldn’t offer enough support,” said Ramontja

SOA has urged government departments and civil society organisations to intervene and help the family achieve closure.

“Their living state is disheartening,” he said.

“We are calling on all relevant stakeholders to ensure this child receives the burial she deserves.”

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