The family of four-year-old Imivuyo Maduba is struggling to come to terms with his death after he was struck in the head by a stray horse in the Eastern Cape.
Maduba was playing with other children in a village on 12 August when a herd of loose horses suddenly ran through a passage. While the other children managed to get out of the way, Maduba was struck by one of the animals.
He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Community members say the tragedy could have been prevented, blaming livestock owners for allowing their animals to roam freely in residential areas.
Maduba’s mother, Nokuphela, said she was not at home when the incident occurred.
“I heard from the children playing with him that a horse kicked him,” she said.
A man who found the injured child alerted his sister, who took Maduba home. He was unconscious at the time, prompting the family to rush him to hospital.
The Nqamakwe Community Policing Forum says finding the owner of the horses may prove difficult.
CPF member Vuyani Ndbuse said residents are regularly warned about the importance of properly looking after livestock and ensuring animals can be identified.
He said some owners are reluctant to brand their animals, making it harder to trace them when incidents involving livestock occur.
Maduba will be laid to rest on Friday as his family and community continue to mourn his death.