By: Boipelo Mere 

The death of a two-year-old child in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape, has sparked community outrage, with the Phokwane Local Municipality facing accusations of negligence and failing to protect residents.

The toddler, Amkhitha Dyalvane, is believed to have fallen into an open, water-filled trench left abandoned after sewer installation work was halted. Residents say the site had been unsecured for weeks, with no warning signs or barriers in place to prevent access.

Community members are now demanding accountability from the municipality with local community activist Maleke Montshiwagae expressing concern over the lack of safety measures at the trench site, stating that municipal oversight was severely lacking.

“It seems the safety protocols were completely neglected. The trenches have been left open without barricades or warning signs since 2024.

“As a concerned member of the community, I raised the issue with one of the ward committee members. They told me there had been a meeting with the contractor about the safety concerns, but no proactive steps were taken, nor was there any pressure from the municipality,” Montshiwagae

He further criticised what seems to be a lack of concern around Amkhitha’s unfortunate incident - with minimal reports surfacing to shine the spotlight on the matter.

“It’s troubling that there was no public awareness or reporting on what happened—it almost feels like there was an attempt to keep it quiet. Incidents like these must be brought into the public eye to highlight how smaller communities are often treated with disregard.

“The life of one child is already too many. There must be accountability from both the municipality and the contractor. The family deserves closure, especially given the trauma, emotional burden, and long-term psychological impact they are facing,” stressed Montshiwagae.

The bereaved mother, Deliwe Izell Cekisho-Dyalvane, says she wants justice for the death of her child. She expressed frustration over the apparent blame-shifting between the Phokwane Local Municipality and the company contracted to carry out the sewer project, accusing the municipality of denying any responsibility.

“It’s painful what’s happening. No one wants to take responsibility. The municipality blames the company they hired, while the company refuses to accept any accountability - allegedly claiming the municipality still owes them money to complete the work,” she said.

Cekisho-Dyalvane, who lives in Potchefstroom, was visiting friends in Masakeng with her family when tragedy struck. On the evening of 26 July, their daughter suddenly went missing - only to be found about an hour later, floating in the water-filled trench.

She said officials from the Phokwane municipality visited her days after the incident to offer condolences and handed the family R10 000 in cash. However, the gesture has raised questions, as the municipality has since denied any knowledge of the payment.

According to municipal spokesperson Kgalalelo Letshabo, claims that the municipality offered a donation or covered burial expenses for the family are inaccurate and false.

“The municipality did not provide any donation or cover any burial expenses. Therefore, this claim is inaccurate and false,” Letshabo claims.

When asked about rumours that the municipality is considering legal action against the contracted company following the incident, Letshabo declined to confirm or deny the claims.

“The matter is still under investigation and is sub judice. The municipality cannot comment further until the investigation is concluded. Once finalised, all parties will be informed of who is liable and responsible,” she told Journal News.

Letshabo confirmed that Limpopo-based company Tarcron Projects was awarded a R25 million contract in 2023. The scope of work for this project includes the installation of a bulk sewer outfall line, the refurbishment of the existing pump station, and the construction of a new pump station.

However, when contacted for comment Tarcron Projects’ project manager, Kevin Mashile, referred Journal News to the municipality, stating that they do not have the facts regarding the matter.

Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers confirmed that an inquest case has been opened and is currently under investigation.