Hillcrest School holds memorial service for murdered learner
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, 12 October, for Khanya Mafuta (18) at his school, Hillcrest Secondary, in Mossel Bay, following his death on Sunday, 2 October.
Khanya died after he was stabbed in the chest at a party of one of his friends in KwaNonqaba. Mossel Bay Advertiser freelance photographer Dexter Brinkhuis attended the memorial service. Brinkhuis described the service as extremely emotional.
"Students and family members broke down, some crying out Khanya's name.
Some choir members could not finish singing as they were too emotional."
Khanya was a Grade 10 learner at Hillcrest. He represented South Africa in the World Sailing Youth Championships and had been sailing with the Skipper Foundation in Mossel Bay for the past four years.
A 16-year-old fellow learner has been arrested in connection with Khanya's murder and spent a few days in custody while waiting for his bail application. The formal bail application took place on Monday, 10 October, at the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court. The suspect was released into the care of his guardians and was warned to appear in court on 3 November, when he faces a charge of murder.
Hillcrest principal Ivan Kroneberg expressed his sadness at the loss of a "brilliant sailor, student and potential Olympic athlete".
Board member of the South African Surf Lifesaving Association, Gerald de Jager, said society had been robbed of a "great talent and a hardworking and respectful young man".
Khanya's mother, Nomfesane Mafuta, told the Advertiser this week Khanya's funeral would take place tomorrow, 15 October. The exact details were not available at the time of going to print.
Photo: Dexter Brinkhuis