Community bands together to bury children killed in fire
A cloud of grief was tangible as hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to the two young boys who were killed in a house fire in the early hours of 4 March at Lwamondo.
LIMPOPO –Â The boys, Rialivhuwa (5) and Ompfunaho Tshifaro (4) were laid to rest at Lwamondo cemetery last Sunday.
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Their grandmother is said to have locked them in the two-roomed house when she went away to manufacture clay bricks. Police suspect the fire might have been caused by a hot stove plate. The owner of Mbavhalelo Funeral Service and Tombstones assisted the family with the funeral and donated a tombstone, groceries and other necessities. The Managing Director, Steven Maluleke, said when he heard what happened he visited the family to assess the situation.
“I found the situation wanting. Here poverty was at its worst and we decided to assist the family to bury their loved ones with dignity. We are not in this village only to make a profit, but to assist and bring about change where possible,” he said, adding God set up his business to help the community, specifically those in need.
“We will continue being of service to our communities, who are the source of our business. We have assisted in many worthy community causes,” he said.
Family representative, T. Nembadzheni, said they were still expecting much from the brilliant children but they have accepted what happened. “We only have to accept it because we cannot change the situation. The deaths of these two are synonymous with a flowering tree that loses flowers that were expected to turn into fruit. God has done His will and we believe this incident does not bring life to an end. We have to stand up and go on with life although our hearts are bleeding with pain.”
Nembadzheni thanked the community for the support displayed during the incident.
“Your presence made our hearts strong. We have been battling to come to terms with this incident, but your overwhelming support has made us more confident.”
The local headman, Tshilidzi Tshinane, said the community came on board to make sure the kids were buried with dignity and respect.
“Their deaths have touched our hearts and we united with the family and other stakeholders to make sure they received a dignified burial.”
