The Hammanskraal community came together in grief and solidarity on Saturday as family, friends, teachers, and neighbours gathered to bid farewell to five-year-old Obakeng Minyuku, a Grade R pupil whose life was tragically cut short in a shooting incident. The emotional funeral service was held at Kanana Cemetery, where mourners dressed in black and school uniforms stood side by side to honour a young boy remembered for his bright smile and love for learning.
Obakeng was fatally shot on 24 January 2026 in the Chris Hani area of Hammanskraal, an incident that has left both his family and the wider community struggling to come to terms with the loss. The shooting, which allegedly involved a neighbour, shocked residents and sparked renewed concern about violence in communities and the safety of children.
At the funeral, Obakeng’s uncle, Johannes Minyuku, spoke movingly about the pain the family continues to endure. He described the little boy as smart, energetic, and full of promise, adding that the family is still trying to cope with the sudden and violent loss. He also shared that Obakeng’s mother has been deeply affected by the tragedy, and that the family will carry the memory of what happened for the rest of their lives.
Teachers from Leboneng Primary School in Chris Hani, where Obakeng was a learner, attended the service to pay their respects. One of his teachers, Refilwe Sikhonde, said although she had only taught him for a short time, he had already made a lasting impression. She recalled that Obakeng loved coming to school and was especially excited about visiting the computer room, a sign of his curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Another teacher, Jane Boshomane, spoke about the dreams the school had for him. She said educators had already begun to see his potential and had plans to support his development. His death, she added, was not only a loss to his family but also to the school community that had hoped to watch him grow and succeed.
Community leaders also addressed mourners, offering words of comfort and calling for peace. Representatives from local civic structures said the tragedy had shaken the area deeply and urged residents to work together to prevent similar incidents in the future. They emphasized that no child should lose their life in such a senseless way.
Police confirmed that a murder case was opened following the incident and that a female suspect was arrested in connection with Obakeng’s death. Investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As the small white coffin was lowered into the ground, grief hung heavy in the air. Many mourners wept openly, while others stood in silence, struggling to accept that a life so young had been taken so suddenly. For the people of Hammanskraal, Obakeng Minyuku will be remembered not for the tragedy of his death, but for the joy, innocence, and promise he brought into their lives, however brief his time may have been.
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