Shivan Cumberlege
Image: Supplied
FAMILY, teachers and classmates of 12-year-old Shivan Cumberlege, paid heartfelt tributes to him at his funeral at the River Range Ranch in Verulam, on Saturday.
The Grade 3, Parkgate Primary School pupil, was found hanged from the rafter of his home with his mother’s sari on Thursday.
It is alleged that the he had committed suicide.
He was found by his 16-year-old neighbour.
His four-year-old brother was unharmed in the house at the time in Neptune Drive, in Riet River.
At his funeral, Shivan was described as a kind and helpful child, with a gentle spirit.
Principal of Parkgate Primary School, Mrs V Eraman, said: “Shivan was a child whose presence brought light hope and a sense of promise to our school community.
“The tragedy of losing Shivan is difficult to put into words. And our hearts are heavy with grief. No parent, guardian or family should ever have to face such heartbreaking loss.”
Joeleen Chetty, Shivan’s neighbour, described him as a wonderful and respectful child.
“Anything you asked him, he was always willing to help. He was a friendly child with our kids, and he was full of laughter. He took care of his siblings like he was a parent to them,” Chetty said.
Pastor Gregory Moonsamy also spoke at the funeral and said he encouraged parents to do the best they could for their children.
“Whatever drove him to do what he did … only he knows. Children are a gift from God, and with gifts from God, we know that we have a responsibility to take care of them and bring them up.
“We need to make sure that we know exactly what is happening in the lives of our children. It is not an easy task. It is very hard. Because children sometimes do not open up to parents. Sometimes they open up to teachers. Today, I want to encourage that we do the best that we can for our children while we can, and God will help us.”
At the time of the incident, first responders, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), said it had been alleged that Shivan was left alone to care for his younger brother.
Prem Balram, head of Rusa, said neighbours told officers that Shivan’s mother had not returned home for two days, and that he was left to take care of his sibling.
Neighbours claimed that Shivan was forced to sell glass bottles and he used the money to buy polony to feed his siblings.