Eldorado Park community rallies to remember 'Baby Nikita'

The recent death of a four-year-old Baby Nikita, has brought the Eldorado Park Community together.

On Sunday, family, friends, and the wider Eldorado Park community gathered at the Don Mateman Hall for the memorial service of the child, whose death — a 32 year old man was arrested and appeared in court — has sparked national outrage and grief.

The memorial service, which was a display of unity, comes just as the arrested man is facing charges of murder, rape, and child abuse, while her mother has been charged with failing to report a sexual offence.

Speaking during the service founder of the SHFP Foundation, Sharlene Abels, described the death of the toddler as tragic, while adding that despite this, the unity of the community has made the tragedy bearable.

"You did not deserve to leave in such a tragic manner, where your life was cut so short. However,  your death has made you a hero who has united this community and brought back the pure meaning of ubuntu.  We must now make a vow that the abuse of children will never happen again. While so many are quick to say we failed you, and maybe we did, but we say thank you for uniting the community of  Eldorado Park and the rest of South Africa in this way," she stated.

Juwairiya Kaldine, the councillor for Ward 18 in Eldorado Park, sent her condolences to the family of the child and thanked them for allowing her and the community to unite behind their child, whose life was cut short.

"I said I was not going to cry, but we are gathered here with heavy hearts and to bid farewell to a beautiful angel whose life was taken and future stripped from her. It is tragic and unfortunate to have lost Baby Nikita under such tragic circumstances. She had to lose her life for the lives of other young children to be saved. I can imagine how the family is feeling and send condolences to the family and thank the family for giving me this opportunity to celebrate her," she said.

Last week, the 32-year-old man appeared at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder, attempted murder, and rape.

The accused allegedly physically assaulted the girl and her two-year-old brother, with the little girl having succumbed to injuries after being admitted to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on August 8.

According to police, the man was arrested after officers responded to reports of screams coming from a backyard shack. Inside the home, police discovered the young girl with severe head injuries, bruises and a swollen eye.

The  accused is due back in court on Monday, August 18, where the state indicated that it will oppose his intended bail application.

The four-year-old whose funeral service takes place on Tuesday at the same venue was celebrated as a fighter and dancer whose short life has united the community of Eldorado Park against the scourge of child abuse and neglect.

Baby Nikita's uncle, John Edward Vaaltyn, said the family has been left shattered due to the cruelty that resulted in the death of their child.

"I have cried, and I can't cry anymore because something is telling me to be strong, even though this tragedy is not the first in our family after the death of my sister. We thank the community for being there for us," he said.

siyabong.sithole@inl.co.za