The Marathon Informal Settlement in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, was engulfed in mourning on Thursday, 3 July, as community members gathered to bid a final farewell to three-year-old Sibongakonke Hosiyana, who tragically lost her life after being mauled by five dogs.

The devastating incident occurred on Friday, 27 June, while Sibongakonke was walking through the settlement. Her untimely and brutal death shocked the entire community, triggering calls for stricter control of aggressive dogs and greater safety for children in informal areas.

The funeral service, which drew a large number of mourners, was marked by profound sadness and an unexpected announcement that added further heartbreak. Community leader Nurse Mnisi informed those gathered that Sibongakonke’s mother, Lungile, would not be attending her child’s funeral.

“It’s unfortunate that Lungile won’t be able to bury her daughter,” Mnisi announced solemnly. “She is currently in hospital. She was vomiting and complaining of body pains. Despite her deep sorrow, she insisted the funeral should go ahead.”

The news drew audible gasps and tears from the crowd, many of whom had come to support the grieving family. The child’s father, Mluleki Kubheka, broke down during the service and had to be comforted by relatives as he wept uncontrollably. His pain was evident as he struggled to come to terms with the tragic loss of his daughter and the absence of his partner during the burial.

In a display of community support and generosity, the service was made possible through the help of Good Samaritans. Funeral arrangements were facilitated by Malange Funeral Services, who were moved to assist the grieving family after learning about the tragic incident in the media. Business partners Shosholoza Finance also contributed to the funeral expenses.

Sonny Malange, representing the funeral service company, shared the reason behind their involvement. “We were deeply touched by the story. No family should go through something like this without support. We stepped in to relieve them of at least one burden — giving their child a dignified farewell.”

After the emotional service, mourners were transported to Van Dyk Park Cemetery in Boksburg, where Sibongakonke was laid to rest. Her small brown coffin was already placed at the gravesite by funeral staff, and as family members poured soil onto her grave, many struggled to hold back tears.

Sipho Kubheka, uncle to Sibongakonke, expressed deep gratitude for the support the family received. “It’s still hard to believe she’s gone, and the way she died is even harder to accept. My brother is broken, and now with his partner in hospital, it’s a lot to bear. But we thank everyone who made this farewell possible, especially Nurse Mnisi and the undertakers.”

Sibongakonke’s tragic death and her mother’s absence at the funeral have cast a long shadow over the community, highlighting both the vulnerability of children in informal settlements and the enduring compassion that can arise in the face of tragedy.