Emotional funeral for young Vhembe FET student

The atmosphere was filled with grief as hundreds of emotional mourners paid their last respects to a student of the Vhembe FET College, Mpho “Smomie” Mamburu (21). She was a former treasurer of Sasco and was found burnt beyond recognition at Magondi last Monday. She was buried at Madombidzha on Sunday.

Addressing the mourners, the Limpopo parliament's Speaker, Ms Merriam Ramadwa, said the community was tired of senseless murders. “We have buried many women over the years, and many died under mysterious circumstances. So much innocent blood has been shed, and we want this to end immediately,” she said.

She urged the family to accept what had happened and appealed to the community who might know the alleged perpetrator to report him or her to the police.

A family representative, Mr Gody Phathela, said they were still expecting a lot from the brilliant girl. He thanked the community for the support displayed during the itragedy. "Your presence made our hearts strong,” said Phathela.

The secretary of Sasco, Mr Makgabo Mokobodi, said the community had had enough of killings. “We are doing all we can to make people aware of the crimes that are happening in their midst. The police are doing their best to apprehend the criminals, but we seem to be fighting a losing battle because people prefer to keep quiet.”

Maj Mashudu Malelo of the Thohoyandou SAPS confirmed that the police had found the burnt body of a woman and that they had opened a murder case.

Date:13 June 2014

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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