KZN Premier calls for swift investigation into child's tragic death in Durban lift incident
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has called for a swift investigation into a lift incident at a Durban apartment complex in which seven-year-old Aphelele Dlamini died and his sister Aphile was critically injured.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has called for a swift and conclusive investigation into the death of a child at the HOMii apartment complex in Durban.
Ntuli expressed his profound shock and sadness at the tragic death of a child and the serious injury of another following a lift malfunction at the building in the Durban CBD.
Aphelele Dlamini died as a result of the fall while his twin sister Aphile was critically injured and is in a coma. Monday would have marked the twins' eighth birthday.
Dozens of people marched in Durban on Monday to call for accountability for the incident.
“The loss of a young life in such a preventable circumstance is a profound tragedy. On behalf of the provincial government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased child and our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the injured,” Premier Ntuli said.
“We are in direct contact with the family and have offered them psychosocial support during this unimaginably difficult time.”
In response to the incident, the Premier's office said Ntuli has initiated an immediate, multi-pronged government intervention:
- Dual Investigations: The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Labour and Employment have both opened official investigations. The Premier has requested a swift and conclusive report from the Minister of Labour to ensure immediate accountability.
- Provincial Coordination: The Provincial Department of Community Safety and Liaison has been deployed to the site to coordinate all government entities, support the police investigation, and serve as the primary liaison with the victims' families.
- Technical Inspection: The eThekwini Municipality has been requested to provide appropriate technical support that may be required by the investigating agencies in the ongoing investigations and to ensure that the affected lifts remain sealed and out of service.
Ntuli stated, "This incident is a stark reminder that public safety is non-negotiable. The rule of law is supreme, and any acts of violence or intimidation will not be tolerated and will only hinder the pursuit of justice for these children.”
“We recognise the community's constitutional right to peaceful protest and demand for answers. We call on the SAPS to respect this right and to facilitate demonstrations peacefully. Similarly, we urge all community members to allow the investigative processes to proceed without obstruction so that we can achieve a just outcome.”
“My office will oversee this matter closely. We are determined to ensure a thorough investigation, that those responsible are held fully accountable, and that concrete measures are implemented to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy,” Ntuli concluded.