MOURNERS described Lebohang Tsotetsi (13) as a humble child, full of respect and loved people.
Community members, family, friends, and different schools gathered at Phiri Hall on Wednesday, 16 August, to pay tribute to Lebohang, who was raped and killed.
Her lifeless body was discovered in the bush on Women’s Day opposite Merafe hostel in Mofolo, Soweto.
As many called it a day to celebrate the life Lebo lived.
It was a difficult moment for her schoolmates and teachers, as they continuously burst into tears.
Emotional Diodi Primary School pupils said Lebohang was an excellent child who was never in trouble.
With teary eyes, her class teacher recalled how Lebohang was a quiet child in class but always had a giving heart.
While reading their speeches, a grade 7 learner, Ntokozo Mafumatha, with a face covered with tears, said she was Lebo’s friend.
“These are my last words to you. If I knew it was the last time seeing you, I would have smiled at you and hugged you so tight and kissed you as many times as I could.
“You are a flower that grew in a beautiful garden, and whoever took you from that garden didn’t know how the rain would rain on you,” she read.
Ward 16 councillor Gift Mathye said it is tiring and shocking that someone gets killed every week in Mapetla, Phiri, or Senaone.
“Not so long, we were burying a young person killed allegedly a taxi driver. Just now, a family of three was killed in Chiawelo extension 3, while a learner at a local school was also killed,” he said.
Pastor Andile Mashaba said people are on borrowed time and must use the time they have wisely and meaningfully because they are not here forever.
“We are all here on borrowed time. Whatever you do here on earth, do it with intent and meaning. If we waste time, we will waste our lives,” he added.
Hostel leaders said they need to work hand in hand with the community and try and find out what’s causing the endless killings.
On Thursday, 17 August, local sangomas will perform a cleansing ritual where Lebohang lost her soul and proceed with the candlelight ceremony.
