By As families and friends across the country were gearing up to usher in the New Year with celebrations and thanks giving for life thus far, the Modise family in Thaba Nchu, Free State mourned the loss of their eight year old son.
Responding to the outrage of the community in Thaba Nchu and to the pain of loss towards the Modise family, the Free State Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, together with the Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Mr Jabu Mbalula and the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro Cllr Gregory Nthatisi visited the family on 30 December 2024, to pass their condolences.
It is reported that the deceased Nkosinathi Modise (8) and his sibling consumed snacks they bought from a local tuck-shop, after which they fell ill and were rushed to hospital, while the other recovered, Nkosinathi’s health however deteriorated and eventually led to his death. This sparked an outrage in the community.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae and her entourage were swift to be on the ground to give comfort to the family and to calm the situation down.
The Premier urged the community to respect the family’s mourning process and further appealed to interested groups and community members to refrain from spreading misinformation or interfering with the police investigation.
She appealed to community members to allow the police space to investigate the actual cause of death. Letsoha-Mathae confirmed that blood tests have been taken and they are still awaiting the results.
“Let’s allow our law enforcement agencies to do their work and uncover the root cause of this tragic loss. We must also resist the temptation to exploit the family’s pain for political point-scoring. A young life has been lost, and this tragedy must be handled with compassion and respect,” said Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.
