Hundreds attend memorial service at school

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - A memorial service was held for Khanya Mafuta (18) at his school Hillcrest Secondary in Mossel Bay following his death on Sunday, 2 October.

Khanya died after he was stabbed in the chest at a party of one of his friends in KwaNonqaba.

Mossel Bay Advertiser freelance photographer Dexter Brinkhuis attended the service on Wednesday, 12 October. Brinkhuis described the service as extremely emotional.

"Students and family members broke down, some crying out Khanya's name. Some choir members could not finish singing as they were too emotional."

Khanya was a Grade 10 learner at Hillcrest. He represented South Africa in the World Sailing Youth Championships and had been sailing with the Skipper Foundation in Mossel Bay for the past four years.

VIDEO - Dexter Brinkhuis:

A 16-year-old fellow learner has been arrested in connection with Khanya's murder and spent a few days in custody while waiting for his bail application. The formal bail application took place on Monday, 10 October at the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court. The suspect was released into the care of his guardians and was warned to appear in court on 3 November where he faces a charge of murder.

Principal Ivan Kroneberg expressed his sadness about the loss of a brilliant sailor, student and potential Olympic athlete.

Board member of the South African Surf Lifesaving Association, Gerald de Jager said that society was robbed of a great talent, a hardworking and respectful young man.

Khanya's mother Nomfesane Mafuta told the Advertiser this week that his funeral will take place on Saturday, 15 October. The exact details were not available at the time of going to print.

Hillcrest Secondary School principal Ivan Kroneberg told learners during the ceremony that the school had lost a brilliant sailor and student.