Symbol of the crisis
TRIBUTES: MOM’S LETTER; UNCLE ON UPLIFTING BOYS
Family and friends gathered at Diepkloof Hall yesterday to commemorate the life of Karabo Mokoena, who was brutally murdered. Mokoena went missing on April 28 after she was seen at a club in Sandton with murder accused Sandile Mantsoe.
Mokoena’s burnt body was found in Lyndhurst the following day. Her murder dominated social media and sparked the trending #MenAreTrash.
Mourners yesterday paid tribute to the 22-year-old. An air of sadness filled the packed venue in Soweto. Family members, school mates and childhood friends described her as bubbly, ambitious, driven and God-fearing.
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi also attended.
Mokoena’s uncle, Tsepho, spoke about his organisation, Boys to Men, aimed at grooming boys to be better men in society.
One of Karabo’s friends, from a church group, urged all those who have been affected by her death to forgive her alleged murderer for what he did.
“Karabo has settled the course that she had to follow, we don't have to worry about her. I know what she’d say now, she’d say she has forgiven him,” she said.
Karabo’s mom wrote her a letter which read: “I am very hurt that I won’t see you and won’t be able to talk to you anymore. Rest in peace, my angel.”
Mokoena’s funeral will be held on Friday at Diepkloof Hall.