The family of three-year-old Mlondi Ndlovu is demanding justice nearly eight months after the young boy was tragically killed by a municipal garbage truck. The heartbreaking incident took place in October 2024 in the Rockdale informal settlement in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, and has since sparked allegations of a municipal cover-up and deep frustration over a lack of accountability.

According to the Daily Sun, Mlondi was playing with his twin brother when a municipal refuse removal truck allegedly reversed into him, fatally crushing his head in full view of bystanders, including his sibling. The family, still grieving, claims that not only has no action been taken against the driver, but that municipal officials are actively trying to avoid responsibility.

Mlondi’s grandmother, Sibongile Maseko, recounted the traumatic day, stating the driver attempted to flee the scene and was only stopped after being chased by angry residents. “He tried to deny everything, but there were many witnesses – even Mlondi’s twin saw it all. That child still talks about it every day,” said a visibly emotional Maseko.

The grief-stricken family says they’ve received no justice or closure, and worse, they believe promises made by local authorities were broken. Sibongile explained that Steve Tshwete Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela visited the family shortly after the incident and pledged support, including help with funeral costs and assurances that the driver would face consequences. However, none of these commitments were fulfilled, according to the family.

“Since then, we’ve been sent from pillar to post. The municipality now even denies the truck was present at the scene,” Sibongile added, accusing the Steve Tshwete Municipality of protecting the driver.

In an attempt to escalate the issue, the family partnered with the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) political party in May to stage a protest. Together, they delivered a memorandum of demands to the municipality, but the family was left disappointed once again by what they called a “dismissive” response.

Municipal spokesperson Lerato Kgomoresponded to the claims, stating that the matter is now before the courts and cannot be discussed publicly. She also said an internal investigation had been conducted, and further action would depend on the legal process. “Some of the family’s claims are hearsay and need to be verified,” she told the media.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed that the police have completed their investigation and that the case file has been handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)for a decision on whether or not to prosecute the driver.

Despite the bureaucratic delays and what they believe is deliberate avoidance by the municipality, the Ndlovu family remains determined. “We won’t rest until justice is done,” Sibongile vowed. “We cannot allow our child’s death to be treated like it never happened.”

The family’s pain and their fight for justice highlight a larger issue of accountability and transparency in local governance, especially in matters involving vulnerable communities and tragic loss.