Sad end to Likhona’s life

WHAT was once a home filled with laughter, has become a space for silence, sorrow and unimaginable grief.

This follows the tragic death of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, a grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Soweto.

Described by her family as “full of life and light,” Likhona was known for her joyful spirit, her love for kids and the warmth she brought into every room.

Sadly, her life was cut short in the most horrific way.

Gauteng police have since launched a murder investigation after Likhona’s mutilated body was found in a veld in Durban Deep, Roodepoort, west of Joburg on Sunday, 1 June.

A passerby found the body partially concealed under a shrub and immediately alerted authorities.

Police confirmed that the body had multiple injuries and her pants were missing. This has raised serious concerns about possible sexual assault. The exact cause of death has yet to be determined, pending forensic results.

Likhona was last seen on Saturday afternoon, 31 May.

When she failed to return home, her family became worried and began a frantic search.

Community members and local law enforcement joined in. Witnesses, including local kids, reported seeing her with a group of boys from a nearby area known as Phase 4, but those leads offered no leads.

The following day, a message circulated on a community WhatsApp group about a body found in a nearby field. Likhona’s family rushed to the scene and their worst fears were confirmed.

Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, spokeswoman for Gauteng police, confirmed that no arrests have yet been made.

“The suspects are unknown at this stage and police investigations are underway. Resources have been mobilised to ensure those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice,” she said.

Likhona’s family is shattered.

Raised by her gogo, who is now inconsolable, they remember her as a vibrant, talkative kid who had a special bond with other kids and a heart full of kindness.

Speaking to Daily Sun, her older sister Sikelelo recalled their final interaction.

“Likhona wasn’t home for most of the day. When she came back, she took a bath and left again. She didn’t say where she was going, she just went out alone.

“We later spoke to one of her male friends. He told us the last time he saw her was when she came to fetch her phone. After that, she said she was going to Phase 4 to meet some friends, but he didn’t know who they were,” she said.

Heartbroken, Sikelelo asked: “All I want to know is, why was my sister killed and why in this way? What did she do to deserve this?”

The tragedy has also drawn strong reaction from Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who expressed the department’s deep sorrow over Likhona’s death.

“As the department, we cannot begin to express how deeply disheartened we are by the loss of Likhona, a young pupil who had a bright future ahead of her.

“For her life to have been taken in such a brutal manner is unacceptable. We call on law enforcement to speedily apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community at Ikusasalethu Secondary, assuring them that we share in their pain,” said Chiloane.