The murdered granddaughter of Transvaal Judge President Bernard Ngoepe was laid to rest at Klipspruit cemetery in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
After pallbearers lowered the white and gold casket into the grave, soft cries from her family could be heard by some of the hundreds of mourners attending.
Four-year-old Makgabo’s mother, Joan, her eyes red from weeping, reached for her black handbag that was being held by a relative, and pulled out a bundle of toilet paper to cover her face.
White roses were thrown into the coffin. When Makgabo’s nanny’s turn came, the 57-year-old woman — who was kept on her feet by two others — held a rose tightly and cried, ”Oh remember me, young one.” She then slowly released the flower.
The woman, who was wearing a black skirt and blue top, earlier collapsed at the church and had to be carried out by family and members of the media. She was gang-raped by the men who allegedly murdered Makgabo at her Lenasia home last week. Three suspects have since been arrested.
The tombstone — which bore the picture of an angel — was also unveiled on Wednesday. The inscription read in part: ”You will always be in our hearts. We love you.”
In attendance were Chief Justice Pius Langa; Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Brigitte Mabandla; her deputy, Susan Shabangu; and former chief justice Arthur Chaskalson.
Addressing mourners, Mabandla said the incident has angered the nation.
”At least people are still angry, which shows there is hope. As government, we need to put more focus on contact crime.”
A visibly angry Phuti Ngoepe, a representative of the family, said: ”We don’t want any revenge on those who committed this hideous act. Makgabo’s death should highlight the plight that has affected many children.”
Makgabo is the daughter of Springs magistrate Stephen Matlala.
Matlala’s brother Frans said he is hoping that justice will prevail in this matter. ”We are finished … heartbroken.” he said.
Condolences were also received from President Thabo Mbeki and his deputy, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; former president Nelson Mandela; and Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Makgabo’s grandfather said he had stood behind many podiums but this was the most difficult.
”There are two incidents that we are observing here today,” Ngoepe said. ”That is Makgabo’s death, and the violation of her minder. She was a special child. Oh, I must tell you that Makgabo was an eccentric child.”
Ngoepe also mentioned that the child’s minder had just returned from hospital after suffering an illness before the incident.
”She was still a patient, actually. Anyone could see she was still ill and how could the culprits have missed that?” Ngoepe asked.
Makgabo’s father constantly held a handkerchief in his hand, wiping tears he could not hold back. — Sapa