Durban Lift Shaft Tragedy: 8-Year-Old Aphile Dlamini Wakes After a Month-Long Coma, SA Weigh In

• The eight-year-old Aphile Dlamini woke up after spending a month in a coma in KwaZulu-Natal
• She and her twin brother fell four floors down a lift shaft at a HOMii building on 18 October 2025 in Durban
• The brother died at the scene and was tragically discovered by their father

Eight-year-old Aphile Dlamini, who fell four floors down a lift shaft at a HOMii building in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has regained consciousness after spending a month in a coma. Her twin brother, Aphelele, also fell on 18 October 2025 and tragically died at the scene, with their father, Khaya Dlamini, discovering his body.

Out of coma after a month

According to IOL, Khaya Dlamini shared that his daughter, Aphile, had come out of her coma after a month, expressing gratitude to those who supported the family during the ordeal. He continues to mourn the loss of his son while remaining thankful for his daughter's survival and is still seeking answers from HOMii about the cause of the accident.

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Dlamini reflected on his late son Aphelele, saying he no longer weeps but thanks God for the time he had with him. He expressed gratitude that Aphelele lived to be seven, accepting it as part of a divine plan, and acknowledged the blessing of having his daughter Aphile survive, seeing it as a sign of God's power.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, with hundreds of protesters gathering outside the HOMii building on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street to demand accountability from the property company.

South Africans weigh in

Social media users shared their opinions regarding the incident.

Chinasa Akogu said:

"Good to hear. All glory to God."

Thabo Tsotetsi said:

"Afriforum is happy to hear this news of a black child, thank you for your attention to this matter, thank you."

Zubeida Zubie Shahadat said:

"May the Almighty grant her complete recovery."

Bertina Fisher said:

"Dear Lord, we trust You for complete healing in Jesus mighty name amen."

Tumelo Mnisi said:

"Sorry little brother, may that little heart rest."

Kika Masentle Silva said:

"Glory be to God."

Claire Knoetze said:

"Praise the Lord."

Rolfe Paynee said:

"Mend well Sweetheart."

Jabulie Mthembu said:

"God is good."

3 More similar stories by Briefly News

• Briefly News also reported that a man finally woke up from a coma after he tried to intervene in a domestic violence incident and was attacked. Louie Niemann remained unresponsive until he woke up and was taken off life support machines.
• A US woman on a ventilator for 60 days after contracting COVID-19 was about to get her life support switched off when she suddenly woke up. Sixty-nine-year-old Bettina Lerman, who tested positive for the virus in September, woke up from the coma right before life support was turned off.
• A student from the Durban University of Technology fell to his death on campus on 19 August 2025. The circumstances behind the mysterious death are under investigation, and the university and police are investigating.

Source: Briefly News