Fatally-stabbed learner’s loved ones want justice

A family friend of the late Lethabo Matula-Mokonyane, Dineo Masemola, is demanding justice for the 19-year-old.

The pre-matric learner’s unexpected death has left his loved ones distraught, with his family now losing faith in the safety of children at schools.

Masemola says she is still trying to let his death sink in.

“Like I didn’t believe that he is gone. I still feel like I am dreaming. I don’t know how to deal with this reality; I won’t lie it still hurts. All I want is justice to be served. I just want those boys to stay behind bars. The justice system must not fail us this time. Lethabo deserves justice,” says Masemola.

She portrays Matula-Mokonyane as a witty soul and a trading enthusiast, who respected people around him.

She says he constantly gave a helping hand to her.

Matula-Mokonyane’s friends, who say they have also been deeply cut by his sudden death, believe they have lost a true friend.

The teenagers also seek justice for their friend, arguing that the perpetrators should remain in jail.

The group of five young lads had come to see the huge media presence at the late pre-matric learner’s home.

According to two of his friends, Matula-Mokonyane was the group’s comedian and adored his mates.

“He was a good person who loved his friends,” says one friend, Advocate Lubisi.

“He loved making jokes. He was always making jokes. He also had a lot of energy,” says another friend, Richman Lamola.

Lubisi, who came close to tears while expressing his feelings over his friend’s death, says he is hurt.

“I’m really scarred by this,” says the teary friend.

The boys say their friend didn’t deserve to die the way he did.

The deceased’s aunt, Shelly Mokonyane, is urging children and parents to have humility and concern for others. Mmamogolo Mokonyane says she no longer believes that schools are secure for children.

“Kids should know that when they have a problem with each other, they are brothers and sisters; they should lovingly refer their problem to teachers so that it can be solved. School is not a place where hatred should be. It should be a place abundant with love, where the children love and care for each other,” says Shelly.

She also urges parents to show meticulous concern for their children’s wellbeing.

“When you have a child, you are in most cases able to detect if their energy is off. As parents let’s make it our responsibility to show concern for our children and even visit them at schools to check if they are doing well while they are there,” adds Mmamogolo Mokonyane.

Matula-Mokonyane suffered a fatal stab wound on his chest allegedly by a grade 12 learner near Lesedi Secondary School not far from Mamelodi in Lethabong, Pretoria East, on Tuesday during an altercation.

It’s reported that the perpetrator came to the school wearing a balaclava over his head with the intention of confronting Matula-Mokonyane.

Two learners have now been arrested for murder.

The two young suspects, both 19 years old, appeared before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate Court on Friday.

The incident is suspected to be gang-related.

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, visited the school.

During his address to learner after a brief meeting with the school’s management, the MEC urged discipline.

“Discipline is very important and should be enforced. Gangsterism is a problem. You being involved in a gang is you taking your life away from yourself. You really cannot be a school learner and be a gangster; that is a waste of time, because you would have clearly thrown your life into thuggery. That means you won’t be a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, or a sport star,” MEC Chiloane told the learners.

He went to the school wearing the iconic South African sportsmen’s tracksuits, encouraging the learners to engage in meaningful and beneficial activities like sports.

 

According to the MEC, Lethabo Matula-Mokonyane was murdered by learners who had a grudge against him after their previous violent altercation was quelled by school officials.

Seemingly regretful of the revelation, he said had if the learners were suspended soon after the first incident occurred, things would have not unfolded the way they did.

Social rights activist, Soil of Africa’s Bongani Ranmontja describes Matula-Mokonyane’s death as a national tragedy.

“We are deeply heart broken by the tragedy and senseless killing of Lethabo Matula-Mokonyane. He was not just a learner; He was a dreamer, leader, and future asset to South Africa.”

Ranmontja’s organisation wants crime prevention units deployed at high-risk schools.

It also wants regulated entrance to school gates through frequent stringent searches to prevent violence, stabbing, and intimidation of learners. Written by Odirile Rabolao