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The family of Xolani Sobantu (59) from Komani is devasted following his drowning in a hole dug by the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) which was initially dug to deal with sewer spillages, allegedly caused by food processing establishments.
The deceased’s niece, Tamara Vellem, said Sobantu had gone to do odd jobs on April 3, and never returned home.
“On the same day, his brother went to look for him and later reported the matter to the police station. He was told to look for him at (Frontier Hospital) the following day and came back because he could not find him. The police accompanied him to the Forensic Pathology office on April 5, where his body was found,” she said.
The body was found by passers-by floating in a pool of water that had been filled by the recent rain, she said, adding that her family blames CHDM for their loss.
“We are very hurt as a family. He was a very hardworking man who contributed a lot to the family with the little money he received from his odd jobs. His brother and sister depend on social grants and my uncle did not even have a funeral policy. This is the second drowning in that hole as it has been there for a very long time,” Vellem said.
Municipal officials finally visited the family on April 10, to apologise and figure out a way to help, she said.
CHDM spokesperson Bulelwa Ganyaza described the death as unfortunate and highly regrettable.
“The municipality is experiencing recurring sewer spillages in that particular point; this is mainly attributed to food processing establishments that would dispose of fat deposits which clog the system,” said Ganyaza.
Ganyaza said the excavation was undertaken in the area when a service provider appointed by CHDM had to deal with recurring sewer spillages.
“The matter is being attended to and a municipal delegation has visited the family,” she said.
