The search for the panga man who had attacked and killed a Grade 12 pupil of Kutama High was still continuing at the time of going to press. The incident took place at Kutama-Muduluni last Friday.

The community of Muduluni and learners from Kutama High are still reeling with shock, following the death of Terrence Maba (19) who is suspected to have been killed for ritual purposes. According to a statement by the police, the panga man had struck the young man on the left side of his head.

The spokesperson of the police at Tshilwavhusiku, Const Khakhu Maiwashe, said Maba´s body was found lying in his bedroom in a pool of blood last Friday evening. There were some visible stab wounds to his head.

No arrest had been made at the time of going to press.

The grieving mother, Ms Mangalani Manavhela, told Mirror that she was expecting Terrence to study hard, so that he would pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. Terence was her eldest and, according to his mother, his untimely death had robbed the family of a good person. "He was still young and we were still awaiting many good things from him. He had a bright future ahead of him," Mangalani said. Terrence is survived by his mother and his younger sister.

Const Maiwashe said that the police had opened an inquest docket. He also appealed to community members who have information regarding the incident to come forward.

The principal of Kutama High, Mr Balican Ramasindi, said the incident had left many learners traumatised and it would take a long time and specialised counseling for them to recover fully. "We are able to cope with the situation because of your support, and we really appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts," he said to pastors in the area who are supporting the children.

A friend of the deceased, Terrence Raphulu, said the incident had left Kutama High’s staff and pupils with sore hearts.. Raphulu said he last saw his friend on Thursday after school.

The funeral will take place at the Muduluni cemetry tomorrow (Saturday) at around 06:30.