Emotions ran high at a moving memorial for two BM Section children who were found dead in a dam near Mfuleni.
The families of Miyolo Gwinta and Linathi Ntshonga broke down as teachers at Sosebenza Primary School and the community of BM Section paid tribute to the two boys at a service held in Khayelitsha on Tuesday.
The bodies of Miyolo and Linathi, both seven years old, who were reported missing over a week ago, were found in a dam last Friday evening.
Parents said the children had been seen getting into a truck which was relocating residents from the BM Section to Bosasa temporary relocation area (TRA).
After a desperate search, the boys’ bodies were discovered a week after they were reported missing.
Everyone was shocked last week when the two boys’ clothes were discovered close to the dam near Mfuleni – and their lifeless bodies in the water.
At the memorial service, Miyolo’s granny Noluthando Xhego gave an emotional speech, during which she appealed to her daughter and the entire family to leave everything to God
“We are hurt. Miyolo was my hope and love. On the news of his disappearance, I was coming out of the hospital.
“That was one of the saddest days of my life. He was not just my grandson, he was my everything. I will miss him,” she said.
His teacher, Linda Mokoena-Diniso, described Miyolo as a “brilliant” pupil.
“He was going to be something in life. He would not let you speak without him asking a question,” she said.
“We bonded well. With the two boys’ death, maybe God is speaking to us as the school, the community of BM and Khayelitsha. Maybe he wants us to change the way of doing things.”
Linathi’s teacher Nonceba Mavuka described him as an “ever-smiling boy” who was always neatly dressed in full uniform.
“I am empty inside. The wound is deep but there will be time when God heals it. We are grateful that God revealed where they were. To the families, please do not fight back, God will do for you. Even at the time of the incident, he was there,” she said.
The Ntshonga family were too upset to speak at the memorial.
Both families said they anticipated it would be a struggle to bury their boys and appealed to anyone who could assist to contact them on 073 811 0729.
Police are investigating the death of the two children.