Eldorado Park unites in mourning for Baby Nikita and calls for justice

FAMILY members, friends, and the community of Eldorado Park gathered at the Don Mateman Hall yesterday to pay their last respects to four-year-old Baby Nikita, who died over two weeks ago.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

The child's death sparked outrage amid allegations that the 32-year-old father, who remains in custody having appeared in court, physically and sexually abused the child, while the 39-year-old mother is accused of failing to report this abuse to the authorities.

The emotionally charged and sombre sendoff, attended by ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, Speaker of the City of Joburg Council, Margaret Arnolds, EFF provincial chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, and Bishop Dalton Adams, among others, saw mourners reflect on the scourge of GBVF and violence against children.

"Where do we go from here as we leave the church service to bury Baby Nikita. We cannot just walk away, as it would be a sad indictment of us as a people.