'What was her crime?’ - friends bid farewell to Lufuno Mavhunga
Friends of 15-year-old Lufuno Mavhunga told mourners at her memorial service on Friday that they have made peace with her death.
"She's now in a better place. Free from those who didn't allow her to spread her wings," was the message in Thohoyandou.
Friends, classmate and teachers said their final goodbyes to the teen at Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo.
Mavhungu committed suicide after she was brutally assaulted by a fellow pupil on Monday.
A video of the violent assault subsequently went viral on social media on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: Lufuno Muvhunga said to have reported bullying to two teachers
One of Mavhunga's friends, Mukoma Tshinakaho, said her friend did not deserve the events of this week.
"What was her crime? Being silent? Being nice?" a crying Tshinakaho asked. "Even though her decision cost us a lot she is now at a better place.”
Tshinakaho said there was plenty Mavhunga still had to accomplish in her life.
"Why did she leave us behind? What about the promises we made? The dreams we had for each other.”
Kenny Mavhunga, the older brother, said his younger sister was loved.
"As a family, we lost a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter. We are here to say to the nation that maybe we do have this problem of bullying.
"Lufuno was a smart girl that's why with the little resources we saw it fit to bring her to a school of this calibre so that she can reach her goals," he said.
He called on parents to take accountability for the way they raise their children to become bullies.
"Maybe it is high time we stand up as parents and take responsibility in our respective homes.
"What I know, what I have seen in that video is that there was someone's child that assaulted my sister. That child comes from a family that has parents, that's why I am bringing it back to you.
"Maybe it is high time we understand our children and make sure we are very much involved in raising them".
Mavhunga will be laid to rest on Saturday.
