A Grade 12 pupil of Matavhela Secondary School outside Mutale, who was stabbed to death in Tshindola Park on Friday two weeks ago, was laid to rest on Saturday.

During the emotional funeral of Lutendo Thiba (21), all the speakers strongly condemned the killing of young people. Lutendo was the son of well-known policeman Lt-Col John Thiba of Mafukani village, and he was also a promising soccer player. Thiba always wore jersey no 10 of Makwali Try Again, a team based at Tshidongololwe village near Mafukani.

Mr Vuwani Mugwabane, who represented Makwali Try Again, the team Thiba was playing for, said the team had lost a promising soccer star. He joined the team last season and impressed everyone with his soccer skills.

Chief Nndileni Nemafukani, the traditional leader of the area, said that he was very shocked about the incident. “Our area is situated in a deep rural area and incidents such as these are not usually happening here. We strongly condemn such action and urge young people to stop abusing alcohol,” said Chief Nemafukani.

A Grade11 pupil, Gundo Ndou (19), from the same school, is at present in custody in connection with the death of Lutendo. He was stabbed in the groin with a knife, allegedly during an argument over a girl. Ndou’s case was postponed to 18 April for further investigations.