Two young lives were tragically cut short on Thursday, 19 June, when 11-year-old Molefe Kgasi and his 10-year-old friend, Samkelo Thusi, drowned in a pond near Mega City in Duduza, Ekurhuleni. Their deaths have left families devastated and a community in mourning.
On Saturday, 28 June, the boys were laid to rest in separate funerals held at Vlakfontein Cemetery in KwaThema. Loved ones, friends, and community members gathered to bid farewell to the boys, with emotions running high as they were remembered for the joy and promise they brought into the world.
Molefe Kgasi, described as a rising soccer star, played for Jurry Junior Stars FC under the Nigel Football Association. His coach, Julius Ngobeni-Mashaba, spoke fondly of the young athlete, noting his talent and determination on the field. “Molefe was playing for both the Under-11 and Under-13 teams. He was excelling, and we were looking forward to a bright future for him,” Ngobeni-Mashaba said. “On the day he drowned, he was meant to attend practice, but sadly, he never made it.”
The circumstances surrounding the boys’ deaths were grim. A family member became suspicious when the children failed to return home and later found their clothing near the pond. Search efforts led to the heartbreaking discovery of their bodies the following morning.
In a poignant tribute to his passion, Molefe was buried wearing his soccer boots—the same pair found abandoned near the pond where he drowned. His teammates stood by in tears as they said goodbye to their friend and fellow player.
Molefe’s mother, Khathi Mthombeni, was overcome with grief during the funeral. As the small white coffin was lowered into the ground, she wept uncontrollably, needing support from those around her. Speaking to mourners, she recalled her special bond with her son.
“Every day after school, he would look for me first. He worshipped me,” she said through tears. “I was his queen. He always wanted to make sure I was happy. He never went to play soccer without greeting me with a kiss and asking how my day was.”
The incident has triggered a wave of public concern and anger, with many calling for urgent action from the municipality. The pond, described as a danger to children in the area, remains unfenced and unmonitored. Local families have demanded that the area be secured to prevent future tragedies.
Ekurhuleni police spokesperson Nelda Sekgobela confirmed that two inquest dockets have been opened to investigate the drownings.
As the community comes to terms with the devastating loss of two young lives, calls for greater safety measures continue to grow. For now, KwaThema mourns the loss of a young boy who dreamed of soccer greatness and a friend whose future was equally full of promise.