The KwaMhlanga community came together on Thursday, 21 August, to lay to rest 16-year-old Tshepo Tshabalala, a Grade 8 learner from Senzangakhona Secondary School whose life was tragically cut short after a stabbing incident outside his school.
Tshepo was fatally stabbed on Thursday, 14 August, allegedly by a 15-year-old pupil during a confrontation near the school premises. His untimely death has not only devastated his family but has also left the wider community in deep sorrow and searching for answers.
A Service Marked by Pain and Memories
The funeral, held in KwaMhlanga, drew hundreds of mourners, including relatives, friends, educators, school governing body representatives, and residents. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as mourners reflected on the bright future that Tshepo will never have the chance to fulfil.
His father, Sifiso Tshabalala (41), delivered a heart-rending tribute, describing Tshepo as not only his son but also his closest companion. “We are trying to stand up strong and face the situation. I’m heartbroken for losing my son. He was my friend,” he said, struggling to hold back tears.
Tshepo’s uncle, Oupa Moloi (52), echoed the family’s anguish, saying the household remained traumatised. He explained that Tshepo’s grandmother, 65-year-old Johanna Tshabalala, had been left weak and broken by the ordeal. “Our hearts are very sore. What happened has happened. We will leave it to God,” he added.
Community and School Leaders Offer Comfort
Many voices from the community offered words of comfort and solidarity to the bereaved family. Neighbour Ziphozonke Nzama described Tshepo as a well-mannered young man who showed respect to everyone until his final days.
Educators also shared their condolences. Sabina Molewa, principal of Motoaneng Primary School, where Tshepo had previously been enrolled, reminded the family that faith would see them through their darkest hours. “Your tears will be wiped by God. We are heartbroken as a school,” she said.
His friends, Thabiso Mashishi (16) and Sipho Nkosi (17), vowed to continue visiting and supporting Tshepo’s grandmother as they used to do with him. “We will keep visiting gogo Johanna as we did with our friend,” they promised.
Faith leaders added their voices of comfort, with Cynthia Hadebe from Winners Chapel urging the family to lean on their faith for healing.
A Call Against Violence
While the funeral was a time of mourning, it also became a platform to appeal for peace among learners. Collen Poto, principal of Ndzundza Mabhoko Secondary School, strongly discouraged pupils from retaliating. “Stay away from revenge, kids. Let God fight your battles,” he advised.
Similarly, school governing body chairman Patrick Ndala reflected on the broader tragedy of losing children to violence. “Although Tshepo is gone, his name will remain. In the past, children buried their parents, but today things have changed,” he remarked.
A Community Seeking Justice
Tshepo’s death has left KwaMhlanga reeling. Residents are demanding justice and stricter measures to protect learners from school-related violence. For now, the community clings to memories of a respectful, vibrant teenager whose life ended too soon, and they hope his passing serves as a wake-up call to end violence among young people.
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