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Siblings Armando and Lucia Tembe laid to rest. Photos by Khaya Masipa
Wattville community came together to give a decent send-off to little Armando and Lucia Tembe, who died in a fire after nanny locked them in a shack. Video by Ntebatse Masipa
#dailysun#snl24#wattvillesiblings pic.twitter.com/kgEnOru8HL
— Ntebatse Masipa (@ntebatse_SNL24) June 27, 2024THE community put their differences aside and worked towards affording the Tembe siblings a decent burial.
This after Armando (3) and Lucia Tembe (4) tragically died in a fire.
The community rallied to collect donations for the siblings’ bereaved mum.
Where the remains of the burned shack once stood, a new shack has since been built.
Residents of Wattville in Ekurhuleni came together to collect food donations for the mourners and ensure the family is provided for.
Phumlani Funeral Parlour in Benoni covered all funeral expenses, donating two small coffins, allowing the children a dignified farewell at a local cemetery.
Maria Tembe, the grieving mum, wrapped in a blanket, with her family.
Magadimana Tombstones donated this tombstone for Armando Tembe.
Magadimana Tombstones contributed by erecting two tombstones for the children at no cost. Several residents donated blankets and clothes, with more planning to contribute.
Lulama Sithole and Elizabeth Yiliwe, members of Reloaded Imbokodo, expressed their deep sympathy.
“As mothers, we were touched. We stood up and asked for donations and are relieved that the mother now has a new shack. Although it’s tough for her, she has a place to sleep in,” Lulama stated.
The community built a brand-new shack for grieving mum Maria Tembe.
Magadimana Tombstones donated the tombstone for Lucia Tembe.
Elizabeth added: “We pray that she recovers, over time. Losing children is never easy for anyone.”
The Wattville Men’s Forum also donated food.
The tragedy occurred when the children were locked inside their mother’s shack by a nanny who went partying.
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The nanny (40) has been arrested and appeared in court on charges of child neglect.
Maria Tembe, the children’s mum, had hired the nanny to care for her children while she managed her hawking business.
The nanny left a pot with cooking oil on the stove which led to the fire that claimed the children’s lives.
Siblings Armando and Lucia Tembe laid to rest. Photos by Khaya Masipa
Landlord Dora Mthethwa heard the explosion and was met by flames when she went outside. She was dismayed that the nanny prioritised saving her belongings over the children.
Community leader Victor Sithole thanked everyone for their support.
Police spokeswoman Captain Neldah Sekgobela confirmed that an inquest docket into the children’s deaths has been opened, focusing on potential child neglect.
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