Eight-year-old **Aphile Dlamini**, who fell four floors down a lift shaft at a HOMii building in Durban, has woken up from a month-long coma — a moment of hope for a family still shattered by the death of her twin brother, **Aphelele**.
The tragic incident occurred on **October 18**, when the twins plunged into an open lift shaft at the residential building on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street. Aphelele died instantly at the scene. Their father, **Khaya Dlamini**, made the devastating discovery himself, a moment he describes as the most painful of his life.
For weeks, the Dlamini family’s world was suspended between grief and prayer as Aphile remained unconscious in hospital. This week, a glimmer of relief finally came.
Khaya announced the news on social media, expressing gratitude to the many people who have supported the family through their darkest moments.
**“I have good news. Aphile has regained consciousness and is officially out of the coma,”** he shared, thanking friends, relatives, and strangers who have stood by them.
But the joy of Aphile’s recovery is intertwined with deep mourning. Khaya continues to wrestle with the loss of his son while also fighting for answers from HOMii about how such a tragedy occurred.
He described Aphelele as a blessing — a child whose name means *“we have everything; it is accomplished.”* Drawing strength from his faith, Khaya reflected on the short but meaningful life his son lived.
**“I no longer cry, but I thank God for the blessing he has given me to be a father to Aphelele,”** he said. **“God gave me seven years with him, and then He took him. I cannot oppose the plans of the Almighty.”**
The grieving father also expressed gratitude that Aphile survived the fall.
**“God is showing His power in her,”** he added.
The incident sparked widespread outrage in Durban. In the days that followed, **hundreds of protesters** gathered outside the HOMii building, demanding accountability from the property company. Many accused the company of neglect, alleging that safety measures at the site were insufficient and questioning how children could access a lift shaft.
The tragedy also drew attention from government officials and labour authorities, prompting calls for thorough investigations into building safety compliance.
However, more than a month later, the **KwaZulu-Natal SAPS** has not yet established what led to the fatal plunge.
Police spokesperson **Colonel Robert Netshiunda** confirmed that the matter remains under investigation.
**“The matter is still under investigation,”** he said, offering no additional details.
As the probe continues, the Dlamini family is left to navigate the delicate balance between mourning a beloved son and celebrating the survival of his sister. Their story has united communities, fuelled a demand for justice, and highlighted the urgent need for improved safety standards in residential buildings.
For now, Khaya Dlamini holds on to faith — grateful for the daughter who survived and praying that the truth about what happened to both his children will finally come to light.
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