Hundreds bid farewell to ‘bold’ Karabo
Calls for an end to violence as family inconsolable
THE GRIEVING relat ives of Karabo Mokoena stood in front of her white and gold coffin, each holding up placards that read: “No Respect for Abusers”.
That way, even in death, Karabo’s murder would remain a symbol of the fight against women abuse in South Africa.
Yesterday, family and friends gathered at the Diepkloof Hall in Soweto to say their final goodbyes to the 22-year-old stu- dent.
Local organisation, The Men of Hope, was among the hundreds of mourners in attendance, who also held up posters calling on men to take a stand against violence against women.
Karabo’s body was found burnt beyond recognition in a ditch in Lyndhurst on April 29. A tyre had been placed around her body, and she had been doused with petrol and set alight.
Her boyfriend‚ Sandile Mantsoe‚ has been charged with premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Bontle Mokoena, Karabo’s older sister, battled to hold back her tears as she took to the podium. She described Karabo as a deeply spiritual person who loved her parents and made sacrifices to give the both of them opportunities for a better life. “This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life, so please bear with me,” an inconsolable Bontle said.
“My little sister was so bold. You (Karabo) used to tell me, ‘you need to stand up, you need to be tall. You need to be grateful for life’.
“I will never f org et you, Karabo Mokoena, although you have left a huge hole i n my heart. I thank my mother and father for bringing you into this world, because now I know and understand the true meaning of life because of you.”
Bontle read a letter written by her sister in 2015, describing how she loved her parents who, despite their humble be ginnings, ensured their children had a good education.
“A l l of Karabo’s friends, guys, should I need someone to watch DStv with me, please can I call you guys to come and sit with me,” she said.
Among those in attendance at the funeral service was Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini, Minister of Women in the Presidency Susan Shabangu, and Health and Social Development MMC Mpho Phalatse.
Dlamini said the killing of women must come to an end.
“This must be a lesson to all of us. Stop politicising issues that affect us on a daily basis because we’re misleading children. This abuse and violence can happen to anyone regardless of affiliation, status in society, or location. A 22-year-old is at their prime; no one must come cut that life. Men, this must come to an end,” Dlamini said.
Mokoena’s father‚ Thabang‚ will remember his daughter as a brave‚ confident and beautiful woman. This was revealed by her father’s friend‚ Raisaka Masebelanga‚ who spoke on his behalf.
“He told me that even in death‚ she (Karabo) must have been beautiful and that is why what happened to her happened‚” said Masebelanga.
Masebelanga said Karabo’s father asked that a message be sent to young women. “They must take responsibility,” he said. “He said, ‘let them choose carefully who they interact with. If it’s someone that’s going to cause them to be insecure, let them leave that person alone’.”
The former Hill High School pupil was buried at the Westpark Cemetery in Randburg yesterday afternoon.
A flock of white doves were released in to the sky before her shiny white coffin was lowered into the ground.