Thousands gather to support Dlamini after his twin fell into an elevator shaft. Image: EWN.
(The Post News)– A week after the tragic fall of eight-year-old twins Aphelele and Aphile Dlamini down a lift shaft in Durban’s central business district (CBD), the city continues to grieve as community members rally behind the devastated family.
The twins’ father, Khaya Dlamini, has been vocal in his calls for accountability, accusing the building’s management of negligence and insensitivity. In a Facebook post written on what would have been his children’s eighth birthday, he shared, “I died twice. Happy birthday, Aphelele and Aphile. I will always love you.”
Dlamini says residential management failed to provide proper support and refused to share CCTV footage of the incident. “HOMii cannot intimidate me. I am not shaken. I am fighting for justice for my children,” he said.
The family still lives in the same building where the tragedy occurred, a daily reminder of their loss.
Community Gathers to Support Dlamini
On Monday, October 27, hundreds of Durban residents gathered outside the HOMii building to show solidarity with the Dlamini family. The peaceful march, supported by civic groups and community leaders, called for justice, accountability, and stricter building safety standards. Many carried placards reading “Justice for the Dlamini Twins” and “Our Children Deserve Safe Homes.”
The protest also coincided with the twins’ birthday, turning the event into both a memorial and a demand for change. Police have opened an inquest into the case, while the management company has expressed condolences and pledged cooperation with investigators.
As Aphile remains in intensive care, her father told media he will not stop until those responsible are held accountable. “I will keep telling the world until I find justice,” Dlamini expressed.
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