The small community of Itsoseng in the North West province mourns the heartbreaking passing of 8-year-old Nhlanhla Monyai, who was laid to rest on Sunday, 28 September 2025. The Grade 1 pupil from Madiba Utlwa Primary School in Mabopane died in a tragic accident involving a concrete culvert.
The Incident
- The accident occurred on Monday afternoon, 22 September 2025, in Phase 3 of Itsoseng, near a river. A concrete pipe reportedly fell on young Nhlanhla, causing severe injuries.
- He was rushed to Odi Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Community in Grief
- Relatives, classmates, and neighbors described Nhlanhla as a joyful and active child who loved jokes and spending time with friends and his younger brother.
- His aunt, Mpho Monyai, shared that she helped raise him and said that his mother and herself were very close.
- His grandfather, Hosea Seanego, expressed the deep pain felt by the family. He appealed to the government to remove the dangerous concrete pipe that led to the tragedy.
- Neighbor Tshidi Dibe added that the whole community is shocked, calling Nhlanhla a “happy soul” whose death left a deep void.
Funeral and Reactions
- The funeral service was held at Nhlanhla’s home in Hebron, Itsoseng, and he was buried at Itsoseng Cemetery. Mourners spent the day remembering the child as full of life and laughter.
- The school principal, Isaac Baloyi, extended condolences to both the family and the school, remarking that losing a child is a pain that affects the whole community.
Legal and Official Follow-Up
- The North West Police have opened an inquest docket into the death. Investigations are ongoing to establish how exactly the accident occurred and whether any negligence was involved.
Conclusion
Nhlanhla Monyai’s life was tragically cut short, leaving behind family, friends, and neighbours who remember him for his brightness and spirit. His death has raised urgent questions about infrastructure safety in the community, prompting calls for government action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. His funeral was a solemn reminder of how fragile life can be, especially for the young.
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