By Zodidi Dano
Cape Town - It was an emotional moment this morning as the family of baby Inganathi Mnyani gathered around their daughter’s small coffin, grieving.
Seven-month-old Inganathi, of Philippi, was brutally murdered, allegedly by her mother’s boyfriend, two weeks ago.
Read: ‘He killed the baby and ran away’
It is alleged Zukile Nakuphi, who appeared in court this week on charges of murder and intimidation, flung the little girl around the room.
On Thursday the family said their final goodbyes to Inganathi at a funeral service held at their Philippi home.
As the tiny, white coffin made its way inside the family home, her mother Andisiwe Mnyani’s wails could be heard by those outside the tent who had come to pay their respects.
Inganathi’s grandmother Khululwa Ruga had to be assisted by others as she was too weak to walk.
From time to time Andisiwe looked at her daughter’s coffin and broke into renewed sobbing, tears coursing down her cheeks.
The funeral service started with a brief sermon by a priest who asked the congregation to remember Inganathi in their prayers. It proceeded with eulogies by church members, relatives and the baby girl’s carer.
Nakuphi made his first appearance at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He was arrested in Gugulethu at the weekend, after a week-long search by police.
Read: Alleged baby killer threatens family
He faces two charges:murder and intimidation. The latter stems from an alleged phone call he made to Inganathi’s grandmother.
It is alleged Nakuphi threatened to burn down her house, accusing the family of demolishing his shack.
Cape Argus