Contruction worker’s family grieves
The family of one of the men who died after inhaling exhaust fumes are struggling to terms with the tragedy.
|||Durban - The family of Sibusiso Mdluli, one of the men who died after inhaling exhaust fumes while working in a pipe at an Eshowe dam, are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Mdluli’s uncle Sifiso, said the news of his death on Tuesday had hit Sibusiso’s grandmother the hardest.
“His grandmother is a person who does not mince her words and most people do not understand her. Sibusiso was the only person who understood her and was able to live with her.”
Sifiso said his nephew was the only person who looked after her and now the family were not sure who would take care of the elderly woman.
“His neighbours are also in shock and mourning his death. He was a well-loved person.
“We used to call him the peacemaker - if people were fighting, he would intervene. He was my favourite nephew and was respectful.”
Sifiso said his nephew would love to crack jokes.
The family had been in contact with Afriscan, the company Sibusiso was working for at the time of his death, and which had offered to help with the funeral arrangements, Sifiso said,
“We plan to bury him this Sunday,” he added.
He said his nephew’s daughter had yet to be informed of her father’s death.
Mdluli was one of three men who died after they were overcome by exhaust fumes from a motor while working in a pipe.
Five others had to be taken to hospital.
The Department of Labour’s acting spokesman, Mokgadi Pela, said the department would go to the site to investigate.
“The department will talk to the company and find the root cause of it. We cannot prejudge the issue, but will look into whether it was caused by human error or was just an accident,” Pela said.
Afriscan could not be reached by phone, but was sent e-mailed questions.
It had not responded by the time of publication.
Daily News