THE mood was sombre and the air thick with grief during Thapelo Menwe’s funeral service at St Augustine’s Anglican Church in Ikageleng, Zeerust, North West this weekend.
The 23-year-old University of Pretoria student was shot and killed last Saturday, 10 September, outside the varsity’s residence in Hatfield, Tshwane. He studied BCom in financial science and he was busy with his honours in international auditing.
The CCTV footage of the student being robbed and shot was making rounds on social media.
Family, friends, classmates and church members gathered to bid farewell to the young man.
After the holy mass, mourners celebrated Thapelo’s life in songs and speeches.
Church member Sarah Mafisa said Thapelo’s mum was at a church meeting on Saturday when they got the shocking news.
“When she got to church, she received a call from a police officer in Pretoria who broke the news. I spoke to him and he told me that Thapelo was no more,” she said.
Thapelo’s neighbour, Neo Gringer, said Thapelo was a good boy.
“He was a respectful young man throughout his life and he never changed. He was so focused that you would never find him chilling on the street corner,” she said.
The founder of Zoro Stars soccer team, Zoro Molwantoa, said that Thapelo played for his team when he was home.
“I’ve natured him into stardom. He was dedicated, talented and disciplined. He was my captain. Go and roar in heaven, Thapelo. We will never forget you. When I heard that Thapelo was no more, I thought of Jesus on the cross. I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
Thapelo’s uncle, Patrick Mtheledi, said they’ve lost a book worm.
He said crime in the country has become a vampire that is after people’s blood.
“He was brutally murdered with a gun,” he said.
He described Thapelo as a jolly, happy and selfless person.
Thapelo’s friend, Zaid Sayed, shared an emotional speech as well.
“I never thought that the weekend of my birthday would be our last time together.
“Thapelo, I have no words to describe how I feel. Your company brought smiles and your laughter was contagious. I love you my friend and I pray that God guides your soul. It was an honour to experience you. I love you forever my friend,” she said.
Thapelo’s other friend, Laone Legodi, said they’ve been friends for nine years.
“We were each other’s motivation and competition. He wanted everyone to do good. At some point, I told myself that I wanted to be as disciplined as he was. He brought humour wherever he was. We would always talk about business ideas and how we could achieve what we wanted,” he said.
He said when he found out about his death, he was terrified.
“When I found out about this, it broke me down. I thought of the last night before he died. The goodbye that we never thought was the final goodbye. I am hurt. The last time we were with him, we shared jokes and took pictures. Thank you for the time you’ve been in my life. Rest in peace my friend,” he added.
Thapelo was buried at Ikageleng Cemetery.
