A dark cloud of mourning hung around the little village of Jerome, near Malamulele, on Saturday, during the emotional funeral of two schoolboys who died tragically while trying to save their own lives after a bull became violent in the truck in which they were passengers.

Next-door neighbours Nkuriso Baloyi (10) and Vutivi Sithole (8) were both Grade 3 learners at the local Magoda Primary School. School kids and educators could not hold back their tears during the joint funeral, which took place at Magoda Primary School.

Nine boys were on the back of a delivery truck with a bull, which was tied with rope around its legs. The bull was collected from Xikundu village and it was to be delivered to Mavambe village. On the way, the rope came undone and the bull became violent. The two boys jumped from the moving truck and fell on the tarred road. Nkuriso was crushed to death by an oncoming vehicle and Vutivi was so badly injured that he died on the way to Malamulele Hospital.

During the funeral, speaker after speaker described the young boys as intelligent learners whose future looked bright.

"The cruelty of death has finally caught up with these little boys, but we have to accept what happened because we cannot change the situation. People can desert us but God will always be with us because He never makes mistakes," said Magoda Primary School Principal Prince Masango.

Masango further issued a strong warning against adults who practice child labour for their own benefit. "Child labour is against the law and it is our responsibility to make sure that the law of the country is obeyed. We were still in need of these kids but we have suffered a great loss, due to their sudden departure. May their souls rest in peace."

Maria Shirinda and Foster Shinghema represented the Baloyi and Sithole families respectively and they both expressed the unbearable pain suffered by both families as a result of the unexpected deaths.

Vutivi’s mother, Basani Sithole, said in a written message that was read to the mourners: "Vutivi my son, you were a dear friend and everything to me. I will always remember you because I love you so much. May you rest in peace, until we meet again in heaven."

The boys were finally laid to rest at Jerome graveyard.