Hlupheno Mosia remembered

The GCN recently reported on the attack on and death of the Laerskool Oosterkruin groundskeeper (see GCN, January 9).

The 45-year-old man, now identified as Hlupheno Mosia, was viciously attacked and killed by three pitbulls, in Weert Road, on December 27.

He, along with one of the pitbulls died on the scene, while the other two dogs were seized and later euthanased by the Germiston SPCA.

The GCN contacted the principal of Laerskool Oosterkruin Chris Kruger, to ask him how the staff and students reacted to the tragedy.

“I, personally, knew Moisa for 25 years,” he said.

“Though I arrived on the scene after he had been pronounced dead and covered by a sheet, it was a horrible experience.

“I felt it was important to set up and facilitate a meeting between Moisa’s family and the owners of the dogs.

“During the emotional meeting, on December 29, it was agreed that the owners would pay for the funeral.”

Laerskool Oosterkruin also contributed to the costs of the funeral and Mosia has since been buried in Deneysville, in the Free State.

He is survived by two sisters and a brother.

When the school reopened for the year, last Wednesday, a moment of silence was observed for Moisa’s passing during the opening assembly, followed by a small tribute.

Going forward, the school plans to teach the children more about animals, including animal safety and how to treat them.

“We hope that teaching the children these vital life skills will help to prevent incidents such as these,” said Kruger.

The Primrose police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

At the time of going to press no arrests had been reported to the GCN.