Tshepang Lihlabi (10), a brave cancer survivor and promising young soccer player, had already overcome one of life’s toughest battles — only to have his dreams cut short by someone his family trusted.
The tragedy happened in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday, 5 March shortly after Tshepang returned home from school.
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His mum, Puseletso Mochesane, spoke to her son just before he left school. She never imagined it would be the last time.
“I work as a general worker at the same school my son attends. I told him what to do when he arrived home before soccer training.”
“I never imagined that would be the last conversation I would ever have with him,” said a Puseletso.
The grieving mother broke down as she explained the terrifying moment she was called home for an emergency.
“When I arrived, I saw a large crowd gathered in my yard. Inside the kitchen, I saw blood stains on the fridge door and on the carpet.”
“When I entered the bedroom, I found my child lying in a pool of blood. His throat had been slit,” she said.
Tshepang’s dad, Thabo Lihlabi, described his son as a brave, clever boy who had already faced huge challenges.
“Two years ago, my son was diagnosed with cancer. He went through an operation and chemotherapy. It was extremely painful, but he remained strong throughout. He refused to let cancer define him,” said Thabo.
He said Tshepang was smart, a public speaker at school, and loved soccer. He played for Millerni United FC, a club based in Wattville.
The family’s pain is worse because the alleged killer is a trusted relative.
“My daughter told us that after killing my son, the suspect tried to grab her as well. She managed to escape and ran outside screaming for help,” said Thabo.
He believes it was a miracle that his daughter survived.
Community members reported that the suspect acted strangely after the attack.
“My daughter said his eyes looked wild, like those of an animal. Our boy, who once defeated cancer and dreamed of becoming a soccer star, is now gone, leaving behind shattered dreams.”
Captain Neldah Sekgobela, a police spokesperson, confirmed that a murder case has been opened at Actonville Police Station.
She said a 32-year-old suspect, reportedly the boy’s half-brother, was arrested.
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“Police were called to a house in Sigcawu Street, Wattville, where officers discovered the lifeless body of the 10-year-old in a bedroom.”
“The victim had a visible throat wound, and the suspect was later seen carrying a bloody knife. He is expected to face a murder charge in court,” said Sekgobela.
