A seven-year-old boy from Mitchells Plain died tragically on Saturday when a neighbour’s gate came crashing down on him, killing him instantly.
The heartbroken family of Abdul Mutaulib Henry were left in shock after the neighbours surrounded the boy’s lifeless body seen on the pavement shortly after 11am.
Mom Farzaana, 29, says she sent her son to take something to his aunty’s home shortly before 11am and got a skrik when children arrived at her door screaming.
While she did not witness the incident, footage obtained from the home of a neighbour shows the Grade 2 learner from Portlands Primary School
sliding the large metal gate open for his aunty’s neighbour when it comes off the track and lands on top of him.
KILLED : Abdul Mutaulib Henry, 7
Shortly afterwards, a group of men are seen lifting the gate as residents surround him.
“The children came running and I got a skrik,” says a hartseer Farzaana.
“His daddy just came out of the shower and ran over.
“He was just out and was not responding.
“They said his neck was broken but all I know is that it was his brain because it was swollen.
“We waited long for the ambulance.
“The doctor told me his brain shut down immediately because of the impact.”
OFF THE TRACK: Neighbour’s gate
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms the incident and says an inquest docket has been opened for investigation.
Farzaana says the bubbly boy died just a week before his 8th birthday.
“The owner came to the hospital and said he wants the gate removed,” she says.
“My son was a very outgoing and friendly child and loved school but for his friends mostly.”
Abdul Mutalib’s janaaza was on Sunday and he was laid to rest at Johnstone Road Cemetery.