A candle light service to remember a young life lost
Thando Nondywana It was somber Wednesday night as residents of Zone 1 gathered for a candle light memorial service in remembrance of Yolo Mthembu who was allegedly killed in a stabbing incident last month. 36-year-old Mthembu died on May 26 after a physical altercation with an unnamed suspect where he allegedly sustained one stab wound
It was somber Wednesday night as residents of Zone 1 gathered for a candle light memorial service in remembrance of Yolo Mthembu who was allegedly killed in a stabbing incident last month.
36-year-old Mthembu died on May 26 after a physical altercation with an unnamed suspect where he allegedly sustained one stab wound near his heart.
It is alleged that after he was stabbed, Mthembu who was still alive at the time, ran to the Diepkloof clinic in Zone 3 where he succumbed to his injuries on arrival.
Friends and family described Mthembu as a selfless and kind person who was always willing to help and would instead put people’s needs before his own. They further said he would be remembered for his sharing nature and being a protecting figure in the community.
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“He was a respectful young man. He was loved by many people in our street, in fact the whole of Zone1,” residents said, echoing shared sentiments about the young man.
Family spokesperson and event organiser Palesa Mothoka said the memorial service was to give comfort and prayers to the Mthembu family.
“We felt a strong urge as residents in partnership with my organisation, The Palesa Mothoka foundation to honour the life that was Yolo and let the family know that they have our support during this difficult time.
“We are deeply saddened because he was the one person who would accompany his ailing mother to clinic appointments. Now we are left with the question of who will fill those shoes now that he is no more,” Mothoka said.
A visibly emotional Boitumelo Khoele remembered her brother as a protector saying the family was yet to come to terms with his death.
“The loss of my brother has hit us hard. We often relied on him and he would make sure we had something to eat, even despite the fact that he was not working. As a sister I have lost a protector, a friend and someone who guided me, “she said.
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