As little Jeremiah Ruiters was laid to rest at the weekend, his family said his death has brought them and the community “closer to God”.
Close to 3 000 people attended the funeral of the murdered one-year-old in Kensington on Saturday.
Jeremiah was dressed in a white satin suit, and looked angelic as he lay in his tiny white and gold casket.
Jeremiah’s maternal grandma Gail Ruiters and his aunt Sasha-Lee Ruiters were among those who carried his small coffin out of his home in Salamander Square, Kensington.
Jeremiah's mom Abigail Ruiters, was not at the funeral
In front of the house stood a huge cross with flowers and a photograph of Jeremiah attached, a memorial at the premises where the toddler spent his final hours.
Jeremiah’s mom Abigail Ruiters, 30, was not at the funeral.
She and her boyfriend Ameerudeen Peters, 26, are being held at Pollsmoor prison after they were charged with his killing.
Peters is facing a charge of rape and murder, and Ruiters that of murder and child neglect.
The mother left the tot with Peters, a known drug addict, while she went to work.
The duo are expected back in court on 5 July.
The church service was held at the New Apostolic Church in Factreton.
Jeremiah’s biological father, Wesley Timm, carried his son’s coffin to the grave-site at Maitland Cemetery, together with Abigail’s father Pastor Ronald Ruiters.
Pastor Ruiters led the service at the grave and said the tragedy has brought the community closer.
He also lashed out at President Jacob Zuma for not visiting them, after he went to the family of murdered three-year-old Courtney Pieters of Elsies River in May.
Zuma also gave Courtney’s family a new home and R10 000 in cash.
Family friend Mortimer Saunders, 40, was bust for Courtney’s rape and murder.
“The problem is that government fails our people because they do not allow God in government,” Pastor Ruiters said.
“Our president [nor] one political party came to give their condolences to our family.
“Mr Zuma needs to be fair, he has not sent a message of condolence like he did with Courtney Pieters’ family.
“This (Jeremiah’s death) has brought us all closer to God, the family and the community.
“We want to say thank you to all the role-players, even those who gave us emotional support, the ward councillor, the Community Policing Forum, the community and the public.”
On 12 June, Peters allegedly beat, raped and stabbed little Jeremiah inside their home in Salamander Square.
He then took the child to the local clinic where he was declared dead on arrival.
Peters and Ruiters have been together for a year,
Ruiters, who also has two other children, is currently six-months pregnant.