Johannesburg - The two stormwater pipes that rolled and killed two boys in Bramfischerville, Soweto, had been left unattended for days without any barricades around them.
About eight pipes seen by The Star on Wednesday had been placed outside the perimeter fence of Siyabonga Secondary School in phase two of the township.
On Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the deaths, which left the community shattered, a security guard had been appointed to ensure that residents and school pupils were safe. The pipes were cordoned off.
Brian Mahlentombi and his close friend, Minenhle Sibanda, both aged 7, were killed around 4pm on Tuesday while playing in a ditch situated less than a metre away from the pipes.
It is still unknown what caused the two pipes to roll and kill the two Grade 1 friends instantly.
The pair were with a friend, who rushed home to inform the families of the boys about the incident.
According to Minenhle’s aunt, Sheila Moyo, who was the first to arrive at the scene, one of the boys had sustained head injuries.
The distraught aunt was unable to speak as she was too traumatised.
With tears welling in her eyes, she sat inside the family shack with a group of women who had arrived to convey their condolences to the family.
A family friend said the aunt was blaming herself for Minenhle’s death.
“She said the boy had gone to play outside for a short period of time when a friend returned to call her.
“When they got to the ditch, she saw Minenhle lying on the ground, bleeding through his nose.
“She wishes she had not allowed the boy to go and play,” said Sinanzeni Sibanda.
Minenhle and Brian were inseparable friends.
“Wherever they went or played, they were together. Their friendship started while they were in daycare.
“We enrolled them at the same primary school this year,” said Brian’s father, Admire Mahlentombi.
Admire said he had no idea how he was going to break the news to his partner.
Brian’s mother, Valentine, had left for Zimbabwe a few weeks ago to take care of her mother, who was ill.
“The elders have already told her what happened. I found it difficult to tell her myself,” said the father-of-two.
The mother was expected to return from Zimbabwe last night.
Admire was at work when his neighbours contacted him to inform him of his son’s death.
Bophelong Construction Company, a contractor appointed by the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), refused to comment.
The Star understands that the company’s chief executive, whose name is known to the publication, and a local councillor attended a meeting in Florida at which the incident was discussed.
The JRA said the construction company was currently installing an underground stormwater drainage system in the area.
“The JRA will investigate the cause of the accident and ensure that all necessary parties are consulted and involved, including the SAPS and the Department of Labour, to conclude all necessary processes,” said JRA managing director Skhumbuzo Macozoma.
He said the agency would engage with the contractor and ensure that all necessary support was provided to the families.
“We want to assure the community that the JRA will provide necessary support to the affected families and ensure that where negligence is found, the responsible parties are held to account.”
The two Grade 1 boys are expected to be buried in Zimbabwe.
The Star