THE Eastern Cape has opened its big heart and little wallet to the family of mob murder victim and Beacon Bay matric student, Mbulelo Mtati.
Mbulelo’s mother Nomfuneko yesterday said they were overwhelmed by the wave of local kindness saying: “It really made us stronger during this trying time.”
More than a thousand mourners including politicians and students braved the heavy rain on Saturday to pay their last respects to the 23year-old and to support his family.
Saturday’s funeral comes after generous Eastern Cape residents came out in numbers to support the destitute Nompumelelo Township family in a bid to give their late son a dignified send-off.
Car assembly workers, funeral parlour owners and a community radio station all contributed to assist the family.
An anonymous woman arrived at the Dispatch with R5 000 in an envelope and told reporter Bongani Fuzile she was also the mother of a matric student, and felt the family’s pain.
Mtati, a matric student from Sakhikamva Senior Secondary School, was attacked and gruesomely hacked to death by a group of women while on his way to study for his exams on November 3.
He was allegedly mistaken for a child snatcher following widespread and unfounded rumours originating from social sites, which flew around the city causing widespread panic and mass hysteria.
Eight women are still in custody after being arrested in connection with Mbulelo’s death. Locals believe more people were involved.
The child-snatching syndicate rumour has since proven to be untrue.
During Saturday’s service, speakers described Mtati as “a humble soul” and expressed disgust at the manner of his death.
Social development MEC Pemmy Majodina said she was disappointed that the alleged culprits were all women.
“I feel very much depressed, ashamed, demotivated and very hurt indeed because I fight for rights of women who are supposed to be protectors of children.
“The law must take its course, and whoever is found to be responsible for the loss of this young life must be locked up and the keys thrown into the sea,” Majodina said.
She later distributed a petition, which was signed by most mourners, calling on the justice department not to give bail to the alleged culprits.
Neighbour Lunga Gqodo said Mbulelo’s killing had caused “too much tension” within the community members and that the suspects should be locked in jail to avoid an eruption of violence in the area.
Classmate Noluvuyo Nantso said Mbulelo’s peers were struggling to come to terms with his death.
Local funeral undertaker Johan Rousseau donated close to R15 000 for the funeral service, food and drinks.
He said: “I was approached by the teachers to assist. We did decorations and organised food and drinks.”
Workers at Mercedes Benz South Africa also collected money and gave it to the family last week, while Mdantsane FM helped with the painting and revamping of the Mtati household.
Community rallies to support family of murdered matric pupil
Mbulelo’s mother Nomfuneko yesterday said they were overwhelmed by the wave of local kindness saying: “It really made us stronger during this trying time.”
More than a thousand mourners including politicians and students braved the heavy rain on Saturday to pay their last respects to the 23year-old and to support his family.
Saturday’s funeral comes after generous Eastern Cape residents came out in numbers to support the destitute Nompumelelo Township family in a bid to give their late son a dignified send-off.
Car assembly workers, funeral parlour owners and a community radio station all contributed to assist the family.
An anonymous woman arrived at the Dispatch with R5 000 in an envelope and told reporter Bongani Fuzile she was also the mother of a matric student, and felt the family’s pain.
Mtati, a matric student from Sakhikamva Senior Secondary School, was attacked and gruesomely hacked to death by a group of women while on his way to study for his exams on November 3.
He was allegedly mistaken for a child snatcher following widespread and unfounded rumours originating from social sites, which flew around the city causing widespread panic and mass hysteria.
Eight women are still in custody after being arrested in connection with Mbulelo’s death. Locals believe more people were involved.
The child-snatching syndicate rumour has since proven to be untrue.
During Saturday’s service, speakers described Mtati as “a humble soul” and expressed disgust at the manner of his death.
Social development MEC Pemmy Majodina said she was disappointed that the alleged culprits were all women.
“I feel very much depressed, ashamed, demotivated and very hurt indeed because I fight for rights of women who are supposed to be protectors of children.
“The law must take its course, and whoever is found to be responsible for the loss of this young life must be locked up and the keys thrown into the sea,” Majodina said.
She later distributed a petition, which was signed by most mourners, calling on the justice department not to give bail to the alleged culprits.
Neighbour Lunga Gqodo said Mbulelo’s killing had caused “too much tension” within the community members and that the suspects should be locked in jail to avoid an eruption of violence in the area.
Classmate Noluvuyo Nantso said Mbulelo’s peers were struggling to come to terms with his death.
Local funeral undertaker Johan Rousseau donated close to R15 000 for the funeral service, food and drinks.
He said: “I was approached by the teachers to assist. We did decorations and organised food and drinks.”
Workers at Mercedes Benz South Africa also collected money and gave it to the family last week, while Mdantsane FM helped with the painting and revamping of the Mtati household.
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