Alkantstrand brawl survivor recalls fateful night

A TRAUMATISED matric survivor has spoken out about how the ‘pens down’ party turned into a horror scene as three friends were stabbed to death in Richards Bay on Saturday.

Thobani Mkhize of Hluma High School, Philani Gumede of Ntongande Secondary and Bongumusa Mathenjwa of Langalibomnvu High were killed when a group of thugs confronted the teens.

The fourth victim, 13-year-old pupil Sizwe Mtshali of Ntongande is still in hospital.

Philani’s best friend, Thabani Mbuyazi, told the Zululand Observer how the tragic end of his friend’s life will forever be imprinted in his mind.

‘It was supposed to be a night of fun and the start of a new chapter in our lives, but instead I watched my best friend die in front of me.

‘There was a commotion and one of the guys pushed Philani.

‘Next thing I saw, he was lying in a pool of blood. It is something I will never forget,’ said Thabani.

Thobani’s shocked family from Mkhamanga area are also grappling to come to terms with the loss of their son.

His uncle, Mzamo Hlengwa said he was a bright young man with a promising future.

‘He was a smart boy who loved education. I have no doubts he was going to pass his matric,’ he said.

Saddened, Bongumusa’s uncle Elias Mathenjwa said the family cannot find closure before the ‘truth’ is revealed.

‘Something about this incident is confusing. We are not getting the information we need in order for us to move forward.

‘I just hope the police will catch them and justice will be served,’ said Mathenjwa.

On Monday, the KZN Department of Education’s head of department, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, visited the families of the slain pupils.

Richards Bay police spokesperson Capt Debbie Ferreira said no arrests have been made. She urged other victims to also come forward.

Ferreira said more police officials have been deployed in the area, to avoid any further similar incidents.

The three boys will be laid to rest in their home towns this weekend.