Alex Matlala

The Greater Phalaborwa municipality in Limpopo yesterday accepted responsibility for the death of a six-year-old child who died after falling into a pit.

Lebo Mako, of Namakgale township, was playing with a group of friends on Saturday afternoon when he fell into an open pit dug by municipal workers.

Mayor Gloria Valoyi said the municipality resolved to help the family because the hole should not have been left unattended.

Florah Malatji, Lebo's grandmother, said: "Our child would still be alive had it not been for the negligence of the municipality.

"My grandson was a very bright boy always recommended by his teachers and the community," she said.

"We feel that the municipality has robbed us of a leader and a good father who was going to help put bread on the table for this family.

"We therefore plan to take legal action against the municipality for its negligence."

Malatji said the family plans to sue the municipality for R1million or more.

Police said they have opened an inquest into the death of the boy.