Family seeks justice for Thomas Junior Sithole after tragic drowning
The family of Thomas Junior Sithole is demanding justice and answers following the death of the 17-year-old in an alleged drowning incident in the Vaal River last week.
Thomas, who was set to be a Grade 12 pupil at Hoërskool Driehoek Vanderbijlpark, was reported missing last Friday.
One of his relatives demanded answers from the people who were with Thomas on how he ended up drowning in the water when he knew how to swim.
According to an online petition for justice, on Friday, January 9, Thomas was with friends on a boat outing, but the details remain unclear.
It is reported that he fell from the boat and could not be found; after days of searching, his body was retrieved on Monday morning, January 12.
“The family is devastated and now faces not only the heartbreak of losing Thomas, but also the heavy financial burden that comes with seeking answers and laying him to rest,” the petition reads.
The family urgently needs support to cover funeral costs to give Thomas the dignified farewell he deserves.
In addition, the family is demanding a private autopsy to confirm the circumstances of Thomas’s passing, as well as a private investigator.
“The family believes an independent investigation is essential because there are unanswered questions about what happened on the boat, and they want to ensure that no detail is overlooked,” states the petition.
Thomas’ relatives also require legal assistance to protect the family’s rights and ensure accountability.
The family needs contributions to help them pursue the truth about what happened to Thomas, while also easing the financial strain of this tragedy.
Earlier in the week, Thomas’ family described him as a lovely child but demanded justice following his tragic death.
Midvaal Local Municipality Mayor Peter Teixeira also expressed his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the 17-year-old.
Teixeira described the loss of such a young life as “truly heartbreaking”.
“As a father and a parent, I am deeply saddened by this tragedy,” he said, adding his condolences to the grieving family, friends, and loved ones
Gauteng police referred enquiries to their Free State counterparts, who did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za