The two Thanyani brothers of Dzwerani village, near Vuwani, who died when their 26-room double-storey family house caught fire last week, were finally laid to rest at the village’s graveyard on Saturday.

Approximately 3 000 mourners from all walks of life witnessed the emotional funeral of Fulufhelo Thanyani (20) and Lindelani Thanyani (10) while anger and sadness could easily be read on their faces.

Fulufhelo was a Grade 12 learner at the local Ndaedzo High School whereas his sibling was doing Grade 3 at Mahematshena Primary School.

Disturbed speakers poured their condolences out while school kids could not actually believe that their peers were gone for ever. When paying tribute to the young fallen heroes, a family member, Ntsieni Thanyani, said the family had suffered a great loss with the death of the two brothers. She said they would never forget what happened until the end of the world. "It is painful to lose two intelligent boys at the same time but we thank God because He does everything for a reason. May their souls rest in peace."

Mr Dowelani Nenguda of the Thulamela Municipality told the huge crowd that what happened was really a tragedy which shook the Thulamela Municipality and the whole country. He assured the family of the municipality’s support in hard times like these. Nenguda added: "We are here to console the family although our hearts are bleeding. We know that each one of us is disturbed by the incident but we have to go on with life. We also know that learners who are preparing for examinations have been affected buy the incident but we put everything in God’s hands, to give us strength."

Apostle Mavhungu Masakona of the Calvary Christian Church conducted a sermon before the coffins containing the remains of the two brothers were lowered to the ground.

The cause of the fire that killed the brothers has not yet been established, but police investigations continue.