Thorisho Kgomo: ‘Gone but never forgotten’
Thorisho Kgomo's family and friends pay tribute
POLOKWANE – “I am sorry for going out without permission, I should have listened to you. Please forgive me.”
These were the last words of Thorisho Kgomo, to his family, after being stabbed multiple times at a crossover event in Seshego on 1 January.
His family told BONUS that the three days he spent in hospital, fighting for his life, were the most harrowing of their lives.
Thorisho’s uncle, Rhodes Kgomo, says when the family first received a call saying he had been stabbed and hospitalised, they did not think he would eventually end up losing his life.
“We thought it was something minor, that boys were just being boys. It was only when we got to the hospital that we began to see the severity of the situation as Thorisho had been in a coma most of his hospital stay. “We remained at the hospital, praying for his recovery, surviving only on faith.” He added that the family was traumatised, but were still hoping for the best.
Rhodes says Thorisho at some point gained consciousness and in that moment when the family realised that his actions did not matter, all they wanted was to have their son back home. “The fact that he was in hospital fighting for his life, but was still worried about disappointing the family, shows the kind of person he was.
We forgave him and his soul will rest in peace.”
Thorisho passed away on 5 January in the presence of his family.
Thorisho’s aunt, Tlou, says they will remember him as a disciplined child. “He was known as the life of the party at home, assuming the role of big brother quite well. He loved his siblings but always made sure they knew he was the older brother.”
Tlou says Thorisho’s younger siblings are not coping well with his death. “His five-year-old brother does not understand what is going on, despite us explaining to him. He is still expecting his brother to walk in any moment.” Rhodes says that Thorisho had plans of studying law after matric while pursuing a professional football career.
“Thorisho was a soccer lover and his future in it looked very promising.”
Rhodes says that he was a great striker and his field name was ‘Forklift’ because of his capabilities, “it is unfortunate he will never get to live out his dream.”
Rhodes added that the family was hurt by photos of a battered and bruised Thorisho, being circulated on social media.
“It is very insensitive of people to distribute those pictures of him.”
He says that it is painful enough to deal with his death, without having to deal with seeing his last photos.
BONUS asked those close to Thorisho Kgomo how they would remember him.
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