How a father's love fuels his daughter's recovery after a tragic accident
When Khaya Dlamini speaks about his daughter, his voice carries equal measures of gratitude and exhaustion.
Khaya Dlamini speaks of his daughter Aphile with gratitude and exhaustion. On October 18, 2025, her life was changed forever when she fell down an open lift shaft at the HOMii Lifestyle residential apartment building in Durban's CBD, losing her seven-year-old twin brother Aphelele in the process. Aphile spent weeks in a coma and has faced extensive medical treatment, living with fear, trauma, and nightmares.
Her father quit his job to care for her 24/7, but safety concerns and alleged threats continue to threaten their daily life. Although they have moved to a new house, Aphile cannot return to school due to safety concerns, and the family is exploring online schooling options. Despite the physical wounds healing, the emotional scars remain difficult to treat.
After waking from her coma, Aphile repeatedly asked about her brother, unable to accept his absence. The family has not been able to properly grieve, searching for answers and justice for Aphelele. However, they find strength in their faith, with Aphile developing a strong belief that her survival was meant to inspire others. The family's fight for answers gained national attention, garnering support from ordinary South Africans who joined calls for justice during a march on their twins' birthday.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
