BLOEMFONTEIN – A bereaved couple whose child died following a dog attack at the Lakeview Plots, approximately 16km outside Bloemfontein, are pleading for assistance to cover funeral costs. Sesi Lion and Tshokolo Maboe are appealing for assistance from good Samaritans amid their grief due to the death of their two-year-old son, Kabelo Lion.
They are turning to crowdfunding to cover funeral costs due to financial constraints.
Following the child’s death on 22 February, they said they have spent a significant amount of money travelling to take care of things. Immediate expenses include travelling to the hospital for the medical treatment of both Lion and her other child, Kamohelo Lion (5).
While Lion who reportedly sustained injuries during the attack in which Kabelo died, Kamohelo was reportedly bitten by the same dog, said to be the neighbour’s, the previous day while playing with friends in the neighbourhood.
Lion and Maboe said they would appreciate roughly R5 000 towards burial costs. The struggle with costs causes distress on top of their grief.
“If all goes according to plan and donations are received, the plan is to have the funeral tomorrow, on Thursday 5 March,” said Lion.
They have been waiting for the police to complete a postmortem. Because Kabelo’s cause of death was not natural, the police had to conduct athis procedure as part of an ongoing investigation. It is understood the postmortem has now been completed.
“We would appreciate a coffin to help bury Kabelo with dignity,” said Maboe.
He is the main provider, while Lion assists through money from temporary work.
The grief-stricken couple has expressed severe trauma and difficulty coping with the gruesome loss of their child, adding they struggle to come to terms with the loss.
Lion and her deceased son had been walking down the road when they were surprised by the animal.
Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said the incident had occurred during the day, at around 11:00.
He said that according to preliminary reports, the dog (identified as a Boerboel) had escaped from a neighbouring property. He confirmed the police in Bloemspruit were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
Maboe or Lion can be contacted on 063 6692587.
