‘Stop killing us’ – plead distraught schoolmates of slain Soweto boys
Emotional scenes played out at the memorial service for two slain Soweto boys that was held at the Isiseko Primary School, in White City, on Wednesday afternoon.
Nqobizitha Zulu and Tshiamo Rabanye’s mutilated bodies were discovered the morning after they were reported missing.
Two people have been arrested and are expected in court this week.
The bereaved relatives of two boys battled to contain their emotions as the peers and classmates of two little boys little Nqobizitha Zulu and Tshiamo Rabanye render emotional tributes to their friends.
“Stop killing us…may their souls rest in peace,” said one of the pupils during her rendition of a poem.
Rabanye and Zulu's teachers described the boys, who were in grade R and grade 1 respectively, as enthusiastic pupils whose bright futures were snuffed by their killers.
Zulu's mother, Nomthandazo, smiled as she listened to her son's teacher talk about how he interacted with his classmates.
WATCH: The mother of one of the boys Nqobizitha Zulu, Nomthandazo, becomes emotional as his teacher talks about the kind of learner he was. #SowetoKids pic.twitter.com/0x8PqJpjss
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) April 26, 2023
ALLEGATIONS RELATIVE ARRESTED FOR THE MURDERS
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was shocked by news that one of the suspects arrested got the murders is related to one of the victims.
Chiloane delivered the keynote address in which he lamented the callous crime and called on society to be vigilant and protect young children.
“How did we get here? How did we get to a point where you are able to hate yourself enough that you feel the best is to touch those who look up to you for love, hope. How do you feel when taking the life of a child staring at you, looking for protection?”
Chiloane thanked community members and law enforcement officials for working tirelessly to 'unmask' the suspects, but called on investigators to do more so the instigators of such crimes are also brought to book.
WATCH: Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane reacts to allegations one of the suspects arrested for the murders of two Soweto boys is a relative. #SowetoKids pic.twitter.com/O5HEU7t1Aw
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) April 26, 2023
Meanwhile, a relative said it’s alleged one of the boys’ grandmothers had confessed after she was taken in for questioning, but later asked for a lawyer.
“We are relieved that at least there have been arrests and the law will take its course. We had been searching for the boys with the grandmother, meantime she knew what she had done.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Protea Magistrates Court on Friday, the same day the funeral service for the two friends is expected to take place.
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