Khaya Dlamini, whose eight-year-old twins Aphelele and Aphile fell into an open lift shaft at the HOMii Lifestyle residential apartment building in Durban's CBD on October 18, 2025, is demanding answers. Aphelele died at the scene, while Aphile was left paralysed due to critical injuries. Dlamini claimed that despite his efforts to keep him and his daughter alive, the investigation has stalled. He said he left his job as an IT manager to care for his daughter and received death threats related to the investigation.
Dlamini stated that eThekwini Municipality, SAPS, and the Department of Labour were tasked with conducting independent investigations. The Department of Labour has indicated that they are still busy with their investigation, while SAPS has made progress. However, the municipality has been holding a report for almost four months, and Dlamini is frustrated with the lack of transparency. He believes the case is being covered up and someone's interest is being protected.
The municipality should have released the report around May or June, according to Dlamini. He added that HOMii has not compensated the family or reached out. Dlamini is trying his best to support Aphile during her recovery, and although there are challenges, she is adapting and improving each day. Aphile is a strong child and a fighter, and she will be turning nine at the end of October.
Dlamini is writing a book titled Echoes in the Lift Shaft, which details the day of the accident and everything that happened after, including alleged corruption. He said he will not rest until justice is served, and the truth prevails. Justice will be served by any means necessary, he added. Aphile is trying to adapt to life without her twin brother, who was her best friend.
The HOMii building was launched in May 2017 as a tech-based residential and lifestyle development solution for Durbanites. At the time, HOMii chairman Leo Chetty said the building was an exciting breakthrough for Durban. It remains unclear whether Chetty is still the chairman, and attempts to reach him for confirmation and a statement were unsuccessful.
eThekwini Municipality had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication. Dlamini's call for the release of the report is gaining attention, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond. The incident has raised concerns about safety and maintenance in buildings, and the need for accountability.
The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in investigations, especially in cases involving negligence and fatalities. Dlamini's determination to seek justice for his children is clear, and his efforts to expose alleged corruption and cover-ups are ongoing. The release of the report is crucial in bringing closure to the family and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Key points
- The eThekwini Municipality has been holding a report on the investigation into the alleged negligence of the HOMii building owners for almost four months.
- The Department of Labour and SAPS are still conducting their independent investigations into the incident.
- The incident has raised concerns about safety and maintenance in buildings, and the need for accountability.
