A day meant for farewell becomes fraught with chaos
When fans and mourners gathered in Limpopo to say goodbye to the popular Lekompo artist Dr Nel (real name Molimisi Baaitsi), the mood was heavy with sorrow, celebration, and gratitude. Then things shifted. Videos of a sudden crowd surge at the graveside surfaced online, and the images triggered shock, anger, and plenty of questions across Mzansi.
What really happened at the gathering
At the funeral service held on 6 November 2025, thousands of people streamed to the site to pay their respects. Reports say a rush of people started pushing, and several were knocked over as the crowd pressed in to get closer to the graveside. The footage circulated on social media quickly. Many users described the scene as a “stampede” at the service of the beloved local star.
Social media weighs in with anger and reflection
On Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, the reaction was swift. Some mourners wrote, “People only love you when you are dead”—a harsh commentary reflecting how sudden public mourning often becomes a spectacle. Others focused on safety: “What arrangements were in place for this many people?” “This could have ended badly.” A recurring theme on feeds was frustration at the lack of crowd control in large funerals like this one.
A star built on community and culture
Dr Nel was more than just a musician. As one of Limpopo’s rising Lekompo stars, he drew fans from all walks of life. His music was part of the soundtrack at rural gatherings, taxi ranks, and small town halls. His funeral was supposed to be a homecoming of sorts—his people celebrating his legacy. That the gathering became chaotic shed light on the very culture that made him beloved: mass support and grassroots activity.
@motubatse0Dr Nel’s funeral 💔💔🥹🥹🥺🥺😭😭♬ original sound – TS MAN SA ENTERTAINMENT
Why this matters beyond the music community
The deadly potential of poorly managed large gatherings is not new in South Africa. At concerts, funerals, and rallies, the infrastructure, safety planning, and crowd flow have sometimes fallen short. The stampede at Dr Nel’s funeral opens a fresh conversation about how communities honour their icons while ensuring the safety of the people who turn up to say goodbye. It raises questions about how venues are chosen, how entry is managed, and how excited crowds are guided.
@motubatse0Dr Nel’s funeral 💔😭💔
Moving forward with respect and responsibility
As prayers were offered and songs were sung, the legacy of Dr Nel will live on in the beats he left behind and the lives he touched. But the moment of chaos serves as a sobering reminder: when a community shows up in numbers, ensuring they are safe is part of the tribute. Perhaps the greatest respect we can pay to someone like Dr Nel is to learn from this so that gatherings in the future combine celebration with care.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: X (formerly known Twitter)/@LimChronicle
