Family seeks dignity for little girl
The Tsuses family of Sweet Valley, Okahandja, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of five-year-old Romien Tsuses, one of a set of twins, who died in the early hours of last week Wednesday(22 July) morning after being ill.
According to the family, the child's grandmother, Renate Tsuses (52), contacted the police at around 03:00 to report the death. After waiting for several hours without assistance, she placed her late granddaughter's body in a trolley at around 10:00 and walked towards the main road in search of transport to take the child to hospital, as she had been informed that the police had not yet arrived. She later returned to Sweet Valley after being told officers were still on their way.
Police eventually arrived at around 12:00. A family member questioned why it had taken so long to respond, saying the family had been calling for assistance since the early hours of the morning. Speaking to Network Media Hub, the family alleged that they were initially informed that police do not collect the bodies of people who die at home after an illness and were advised to arrange private transport to take the child to hospital. The family expressed gratitude to the station commander of Okahandja Mathias Tjarimba, whose intervention reportedly ensured that officers eventually assisted them.
A family member told Network Media Hub that Tjarimba questioned his team about why it had taken so long to assist the family, saying they had been calling repeatedly for help. The family member said the team only arrived to assist later that afternoon.
For Romien's mother, Fitelia Tsuses(28), the loss has been particularly devastating. Family members said Fitelia became emotional when she looked at her surviving five-year-old twin son, who closely resembles his late sister.
The Tsuses family, who are members of the Hai//om community, have lived in Sweet Valley for more than four years. The family says they continue to face difficult living conditions, including a lack of access to water and electricity. The family's financial difficulties have now left them struggling to make funeral arrangements for Romien. They are appealing to members of the public, organisations and well-wishers for assistance, saying they have nothing with which to give the five-year-old a dignified farewell.
Petrina Garus, the Hai//om vice-person for Okahandja, told Network Media Hub that the family is expected to receive assistance from the relevant office by Tuesday at the latest. Aksel Aupindi, councilor of Okahandja visted the family on Sunday. Aupindi said that he will present the matter to the full council to see where they can assist the family.
The grieving family is now appealing to members of the public for assistance, saying they have no means to give little Romien a dignified burial.
