23 Jan 2022

Multitudes of mourners converged here Saturday in a funeral service of the five children of the Mpedi Family who drowned last week.

A passerby found the bodies of the four little girls, Ayanda, Leo, Tlotso, Anele and and their brother/cousin Ame Mpedi in the river last week.

The children were all aged under seven. Moshupa sub-district chairperson, Mr Peter Sethibe who represented the government said the nation was in grief and deeply shattered by the tragic loss of the children, adding all should take comfort in the Lord.

Mr Sethibe reiterated President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s plea to accord the family due respect as they tried to deal with ordeal, adding it was sad that some family members got to learn about the incident through social media.

“We have noted with concern misuse of Facebook by some users who tend to publish tragic news before those who are concerned are even informed. Let us desist from such behaviour,” he said.

Mr Sethibe thanked all who supported the family monetarily or through prayer.

In his remarks, Superintendent David Ramoseki of Moshupa police said investigations were ongoing to establish the cause of the incident.

He said after receiving a report that there were some children who have drowned in the river, they immediately engaged a team of scuba divers.

“The situation was quite depressing. We therefore plead with the family to take comfort in the Lord in these challenging and trying times,” he said.

Supt Ramoseki pleaded with the public to be considerate and give the family space to grief.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Dipotsana and Kgabophuti primary schools also sent heartfelt messages of condolences to the family. Ends