Taegrin's death should not be in vain, says premier

(Image: Jonund, via Wikimedia Commons)

"We should say in his name, enough is enough. We have to find all the criminals and drive them out of our communities," the premier said at the toddler's funeral in Reiger Park.

Taegrin was dragged from his mother's car in Reiger Park to Boksburg during a hijacking last Saturday. The boy later died.

Premier Makhura said the toddler's death should not be in vain, and that communities must mobilise to make children feel safe.

The toddler's death has united the community of Reiger Park and the country.

"We have come here today deeply hurt. We are a hurting community, we are a hurting province, and we are a hurting nation. We are deeply hurt by the passing of our beloved child and by the manner in which the heartless killers took his life," said Premier Makhura.

He described the hijackers as heartless, because they did not listen to the toddler's cries.

"On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government and of President Jacob Zuma, we join you in saying to the criminals, enough is enough," he said.

The premier said that the provincial government would return to the community to look at the social ills plaguing the community, particularly the issue of drugs, as well as the revitalisation of the township's economy.

On Thursday, Cabinet conveyed its condolences to the family.

Briefing the media following Cabinet's regular meeting, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi said: "Cabinet joins in condemning such brutality, especially on children."

The funeral service was held at Reigier Park Stadium, after which the cortege proceeded to Van Dyk Cemeteries.