RIP: Brutally attacked learner laid to rest

Ninteen-year-old Neo Jithu Marele, who was brutally attacked by other learners from another school was laid to rest today, Saturday, 17 September.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS BID FAREWELL TO BRUTALLY ATTACKED NEO

The brutally attacked learner, who attended Sir Pierre van Ryneveld High School, succumbed to his injuries following the incident last week.

Family, friends and the community of Tembisa gathered earlier to bid farewell to the youngster.

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EMOTIONAL MESSAGE FROM NEO’S LOVER

A sombre mood filled the marquee as mourners remembered Neo.

“You deserved none of that, you’ve left us with so much pain. I never thought a day like this would come, You had such a bright future ahead.”

Sethu

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She added that seeing his parents so helpless broke her heart, “and I’m sure it broke yours too because you never wished to see them in such a condition”.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LEARNERS WHO ATTACKED NEO

According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the alleged learners from Sir Pierre van Ryneveld High School and Sunrise Combined College were involved in a fight which led to the deceased sustaining serious injuries on Wednesday, 07 September 2022.

Neo was rushed to Thembisa hospital after being stabilised on the scene. Unfortunately, he died the next day, Thursday, 8 September at the hospital.

As the quest for justice gained momentum on social media, police managed to trace and arrest the minors involved in the incident.

On 15 September, Captain James Mtshali, the spokesperson for Kempton Park Police Station confirmed the arrest of two minors aged 16 and 17.

Court proceedings are being handled with sensitivity at this stage as the accused are minors.

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This is a developing story.