Ten-year-old dies after plunging down elevator shaft
Concerned community members allege that there is a lack of concern from the owner and there was an attempted cover up to try and fix the escalator.
A ten-year-old girl died when she fell into the elevator shaft from the third floor of a multi-storey building in Roodepoort CBD on Sunday, October 30.
Ayanda Gwandangwanda who lived with her family on the second floor of the Central House passed away on her way to hospital after falling from the third floor.
Concerned community members allege that there is a lack of concern from the owner and there was an attempted cover up to try and fix the escalator, however the attempt was stopped as an investigation still needs to be conducted.
The Record contacted the property manager of the building, whose identity is known to the publication, who responded by saying that the case is under investigation and that Sergeant Botha from the Roodepoort Police should be contacted as they have all the information with them.
The property manager also said that they have to hear the outcome of the case first before commenting and alleged that the police have footage, reports and medical reports.
According to a family spokesperson, on Thursday, November 3 they still had not received counselling from the police but confirmed that police members did visit the family.
Roodepoort Police Spokesperson Captain Juanita Yorke confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened and the family will be contacted for counselling.
A memorial service for the Ruach Christian School learner was held on Wednesday, November 2 in an events venue at HP Cornerstone Pub and Restaurant.
Community leaders, together with members of the public, braved the cold weather conditions and attended the event with the speakers probing the ownership and compliance of Central House.
The speakers all spoke of a child they knew and offered their condolences to the bereaved family.
One speaker said that it is still not clear as to how the child fell into the elevator shaft and once again the question of compliance surfaced.
Ayanda’s funeral took place on Saturday, November 5, in Zimbabwe. The funeral procession left from her home around 14:00 on Friday, November 4.
