Tears were shed at the funeral service of siblings Hlompho Mofokeng and Khethelo Zulu.
The two tragically lost their lives in a collision involving their school transport, a Toyota Verso, with a car driven by an EMPD officer on the N12 highway near the Putfontein off-ramp on Monday, 10 March, in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.
The funeral service took place on 16 March at the fully packed Mpengesi Primary School Hall in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni.
Among the other pupils who died in the accident were Kgosi Malatjie and Lubanzi Nhlapo.
Several speakers described the siblings as lively and affectionate.
Their grandfather, Lucas Zulu, said the siblings often spoke in English, and he would remind them of their Nguni roots.
“The siblings loved each other, and I loved them dearly. I’m deeply saddened by their deaths. I had a close relationship with my grandchildren and cared about them a lot. We’ve lost two beautiful souls as a family,” Zulu said.
The emotional grandfather vividly recalled the last words spoken by the boys before departing for school.
“They said goodbye, Mkhulu, we are going to school. Little did I know it would be our last conversation. Hours later, we learned about the accident. Initially, we thought only one had died. To our shock, both lost their lives,” Zulu added.
William Beqezi, a family neighbour, recalled the children’s humility.
“I found them standing by our stationery bus where they showed me a drawing of a train. Before I could answer their questions about it, they ran off, pretending the train had left. Their memories will forever be cherished,” Beqezi said.
Giselle Mynhardt, principal of Tom Newby Primary School, expressed grief over the loss of young minds.
“Eight-year-old Hlompho was in Grade 3 and his five-year-old brother, Khethelo, was in Grade 1. Informing classmates about their loss has been deeply affecting,” she said.
The school has hosted several memorials in their honour.
Head of Department, Tania Landers, remembered Hlompho’s lively personality.
“He filled each day with light and both pupils were part of our family. Guiding them was a privilege,” Landers said.
Nocwaka Sigenu, a relative, spoke of their ambitions.
“Hlompho aspired to be a pilot or geologist, while Khethelo aimed to be a doctor. We used to call him Dr Khethelo. It’s heartbreaking their dreams ended so soon,” Sigenu said.
The siblings found their final resting place at the Crystal Park Cemetery in Ekurhuleni.
