KOKETSO Mpho Manganye (18) received a befitting farewell from her friends and loved ones.
This as she was laid to rest in Mokone Cemetery in Stinkwater, Hammanskraal, Tshwane on Saturday, 14 September.
Family, friends, the community and Modilati Secondary School teachers and learners came in large numbers to bid her farewell during an emotional service.
On Sunday, 8 September Koketso was found brutally murdered near her home.
She was a grade 12 learner at Modilati Secondary School. School principal Mpapi Kekana said it's high time for the community to ask themselves what they can do to protect the community.
"What more can they do to improve the systems of communication so that any vulnerable child or person can be protected and feel free.
"The brutal killing needs to stop in this community. To the young people of today, I see a David in you. You must bring a solution to the problem that Stinkwater is facing. It's time to become a David," he said.
He also comforted the family.
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"To the family, try and forget what has happened. Focus on the future and always be positive. Perhaps as a family, remember Koketso, but know that life continues. May her soul rest in peace," said Kekana.
Class teacher Kurhula Chauke said she was happy about how Koketso performed at school.
"She was a very quiet person. She always had a smile," she said.
George Ngomane, representative of the Tshwane North District Department said they were heartbroken about the incident.
"This is the worst that could ever happen to a human being," he said.
Floyd Mathevani, deputy convener of COSAS of the Greater Tshwane region, said that action must be taken.
"The duty of COSAS is to protect the interests of learners. We want to make sure learners are safe. Young boys and girls, it's time to be on the ground. This is our Soweto Uprising. We must go and fight for ourselves," he said.
Thohozile Ngwana (21), a grade 12 learner said: "We were going to school together. I never thought you would leave me in a painful way like this.
Koketso's neighbour Oarabile Ratsana said: "What happened is shocking. I was traumatised the whole week. I was shaking. This is God's will. We will all die, but we don't know how. If we knew how we would die, we would prevent it. Parents, don't blame yourselves. Focus on your healing."
Grandmother Josephine Ngobeni (63) said she was thankful for the support the family received from the community, school, and the ANC.
"We're trying to cope but it's hard. We will always remember Koketso," she said.
Gauteng Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said: "A case of murder has been opened, and an investigation is underway."
