Farewell to Young Katlego Olifant: Community in Mourning

The community of Naledi, Soweto, is grieving the heartbreaking loss of seven-year-old Katlego Olifant, who passed away on Sunday, 13 October. After spending seven days fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Katlego succumbed to what was later revealed to be rat poison found in his system. His tragic death has left his family, friends, and the entire community reeling with sorrow.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, 17 October, at Naledi Community Hall, where mourners gathered to remember the young boy. The event saw pupils, teachers, and family members come together to pay their respects and share memories of Katlego, who had captured the hearts of many.

### A Devastating Loss

Katlego’s death is part of a greater tragedy that has shaken the community. On Sunday, 6 October, five of his friends also passed away from alleged poisoning after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop. The news of Katlego’s passing came during the funeral of these five children, deepening the grief felt by all those affected.

At the memorial, his aunt Nkateko Sambo expressed the family’s pain, stating, “We’ve suffered a great loss. We’re in pain, but because we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our saviour, we’re strong.” She described Katlego as a sweet and loving boy who was known for his quiet demeanor. He was particularly close to his younger brother, Tumi, and his friend Njabulo, another child who had passed away in the same incident. Sambo tearfully recalled how they sang Katlego’s favorite song on the Saturday before his death, unaware it would be their last moment together.

### A Community in Mourning

The memorial service was filled with heart-wrenching tributes. Pupils and teachers from Katlego’s school attended to honor his memory, sharing in the grief of losing a child so young. School Governing Body (SGB) spokeswoman Dimakatso Mokgapi reflected on the impact of the loss, noting, “We had hope that he’d recover and come back to tell us what happened. As a school, we’ve lost four children to this incident.”

Promise Mkhwanazi, a speaker at the memorial, also expressed the deep sorrow felt by the entire community. He shared how they had all hoped for a different outcome, but God had other plans. “Katlego fought,” he said fondly, praising the boy’s strength in his final days.

The circumstances surrounding Katlego’s poisoning and the deaths of his friends have sparked fear and concern among residents. Parents are now more cautious about where their children buy food, especially from informal vendors. The local spaza shop in question has come under scrutiny as investigations continue into the source of the poison that claimed the lives of six children.

### Moving Forward

Katlego’s death has brought the community together in mourning, but it has also raised questions about food safety and the vulnerability of children in townships like Naledi. Many are calling for stricter regulations on the sale of snacks in informal shops and for awareness campaigns to prevent future tragedies.

The pain of losing six young lives is immeasurable, and the community of Naledi will not soon forget Katlego and his friends. Their memories live on in the hearts of those who loved them, and their tragic deaths serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to the safety of children.

As the community heals, Katlego’s family, supported by their faith, is finding strength in one another. Their beloved Katlego may be gone, but his memory will forever be cherished.