Strong call for justice at murdered Likhona Fose's memorial
Fose’s mutilated body was discovered in a veld not far from her home, a day after she went missing.
Memorial service for murdered 14-year-old Likhona Fose, held in Johannesburg on 5 June 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi / Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - A strong call for justice has been the theme on Thursday afternoon at the memorial service for murdered 14-year-old Likhona Fose in Braamfischerville, south of Johannesburg.
Fose’s mutilated body was discovered in a veld not far from her home, a day after she went missing.
On Thursday afternoon, mourners gathered at the Nkone Maruping Primary School to celebrate a young life cut short.
The school hall was packed to capacity, as Fose’s family, friends, classmates and the community of Durban Deep came to honour a life gone too soon.
Joburg Mayor Dada Morero, the Gauteng Education Department, MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tswaku and law officials, including civil society groups, gathered in support of the family and school.
Sounds of crying echoed in the building as the learners couldn't contain their grief.
Her schoolmates lined the hall, holding up posters written "Justice for Likhona" and "End gender-based violence", while singing songs of encouragement.
Her classmate Oratile Mabona said, “A classmate, a friend, a smile so bright. Taken from us in the darkest of night. Your absence leaves a void, a pain so real, a tragedy that shakes us.”
As tributes continued, her laughter, gentle heart were remembered through poems as her loved ones reiterated the call for justice to be served.