Gogo Evelyn Radebe and her three grandchildren, Ntombizodwa (12) and three-year-old twins Jabu and Jabulani, were laid to rest at Vlakfontein Cemetery on Sunday, 5 July, following their deaths in a house fire on 24 June. The family’s funeral service, held at Monti Motloung Hall in Duduza, was marked by tension after prison wardens removed the children’s convicted mother before the burial could take place.
What happened at the funeral?
While the mother of the three children had been granted permission to attend the funeral service, she was escorted away by Department of Correctional Services officials before the coffins were transported to the cemetery. This action left family members and mourners visibly distressed. A relative stated that the mother’s removal denied her the opportunity for closure, noting that seeing the final resting place of her children and mother was intended to provide her with peace. Paul Mazibuko criticized the decision, stating that the family had followed the correct procedures to ensure the mother could be present for the full service. He appealed to the Department of Correctional Services to avoid similar actions in the future.
The context of the tragedy
The four family members died after their bedroom in Bluegum View, Duduza, caught fire on 24 June. According to William Ntladi, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services, the victims died from smoke inhalation while they slept. Neighbors attempted to intervene and extinguish the blaze, but the smoke had already proven fatal. Captain Nelda Sekgobela, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni District Police, confirmed that authorities have opened inquest dockets and are currently investigating the circumstances of the fire.
Community response and what comes next
Despite the distress caused by the mother’s removal, the family expressed appreciation for the community’s support. Family spokesman Mxolisi Nkwanyane noted that the funeral was made possible through the generosity of the public. Clement Khumalo, a Duduza ward committee member, thanked the Daily Sun for highlighting the family’s plight, noting that the donations received following that coverage were overwhelming. As police investigations into the fatal fire remain ongoing, this is a developing story.