The bereaved family of Palesa Speelman, 18, a matric pupil at Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School in Kimberley, is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death after she sustained severe burn injuries.
THE BEREAVED family of Palesa Speelman, 18, a matric pupil at Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School in Kimberley, is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death after she sustained severe burn injuries.
Family members suspect that foul play was involved, alleging that she may have been pushed into a tub of scalding water during a religious ritual.
It is believed that Palesa was praying and steaming herself under a blanket at the time of the incident. Her father, David Khumalo, noted that her death certificate described the cause of death as “unnatural.”
“She sustained fourth-degree burns, and her lungs were also affected,” Khumalo said. “Whoever was responsible for her death must be held accountable. We want to know the truth about what really happened. Judging from the injuries on her hands, it appears as if she was trying to prevent herself from being plunged into the boiling water.”
Her mother, Pamla Speelman, shared the heartbreak of not having the opportunity to speak to her daughter after she was admitted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital.
“The doctors kept her sedated because she was in so much pain, after she suffered burn wounds to her face, chest, thighs, hands and fingers. My beautiful daughter was barely recognisable when I found her in the intensive care unit. We are still waiting for the results of the pathology report.”
She added that the family had not consented to Palesa’s participation in the ritual on November 29, 2024.
“I asked why my child was the only one who was injured out of the group of youths who took part in the ceremony.”
Pamla said her daughter, who dreamed of becoming a lawyer, was a National Student Financial Aid Scheme bursary recipient with a bright future ahead of her.
“She never got to see her matric results that she was so excited about and was so eagerly waiting for. Burying her on Christmas Eve was devastating,” she added.
Calls for Accountability
Shaine Griqua, director of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, called for accountability and action against the church.
“An investigation must be conducted into why the youths were apparently left unsupervised and told to pray and steam for 15 minutes in front of a container filled with boiling water,” Griqua said.
Attempts to reach the church for comment were unsuccessful.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers confirmed that the Kagisho police were investigating the death of the 18-year-old girl on December 13, which occurred during a traditional ceremony at a church in Phomolong, Kagisho on November 29.
“It is alleged that the ceremony involved hot steam. It is believed that the girl sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital for treatment,” said Ehlers.
She added that the autopsy report would determine the cause of death. “The matter will then be referred to the senior State prosecutor for a decision,” Ehlers said.
“A case of attempted murder was initially opened. However, it may be changed pending the decision by the senior State prosecutor.”
Ehlers stated that no arrests had been made yet.
Government and Religious Bodies Respond
The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Nontobeko Vilakazi, visited the family and promised to report the incident to the South African Council of Churches and the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission of South Africa.
She called on all religious organisations and churches to ensure that congregants were not endangered while attending church or any religious and cultural rituals, or activities held under their guidance.
“Palesa sustained severe burn wounds after a suspected spiritual ritual performed by members of a local church. She passed away after putting up a brave fight for two weeks at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital,” Vilakazi said.
The MEC added that the department would offer the family the necessary support and services.
“We will not leave any stone unturned to bring those responsible for this heinous crime to book. We are truly at a loss for words over what happened and call on the police to give this matter the priority it deserves.”
The general secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), Reverend Mzwandile Molo, stated this week that, although they could not confirm whether a complaint had been lodged, they were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death.
He pointed out that the church in question was not a registered member of the council.
“The SACC is an ecumenical association of affiliated Christian churches. Our mandate is to lead common Christian action that works for moral witness in South Africa. The SACC does not have the mandate to operate as a regulatory body of all churches, or as an investigating agency on the matters that affect its member churches,” Molo said.
He added that if any church or pastor was implicated in wrongdoing, the allegations should be tested in a court of law.
“The SACC stands firmly on the belief that the church should not be a hiding place for criminals or criminal activities. We stand in solidarity with the Speelman family in seeking a just conclusion to this case.”