By Siphiwe Ngcongco
Picture supplied
Friday, 20 October 2022, was a sad day for the Booi family from Vergenog Kimberley, as they lost their 20-year-old son, Kagisho Booi, a Grade 12 learner from Tetlanyo High School.
Kagisho was involved in an accident when the mini-bus taxi he was traveling in allegedly lost control and overturned at Thambo Square in Kimberley on 21 October. The decease was with two other occupants who sustained severe injuries.
According to the deceased uncle, Gaboutlwelwe Solomons, the family is distraught due to the condition they found their son when they arrived at the scene.
“We got to the site at 23:40 and found the body exposed. The police and emergency services were there. People were watching and others took pictures of the deceased. The body was only removed at 00:40, almost two hours later”, said Solomons.
He further alluded, “bodies of hardened criminals shot by police or people who die in an accident are treated with dignity and are covered, but our son’s body got the opposite treatment. We are questioning why the corpse was exposed because it was just an accident”.
The family seeks an apology from the SAPS and the department of Health for not handling a corpse on a dignified manner. The police did not confirm or deny the allegation.
At the memorial service held at the school, Kagisho’s fellow leaner and friend, Gomolemo Chake described him as caring and always had a positive outlook. “I was honoured to be associated with him. I already feel the void. We have lost an amazing person who was always full of jokes”, she lamented. She thanked Kagisho for their friendship and promised to cherish his memory forever.
Sergeant Timothy Sam indicated that the Galeshewe SAPS is investigating a culpable homicide case. “Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the unfortunate accident. Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was an occupant in a mini-bus taxi that collided in Reserve Road, in Thambo Square Galeshewe”.
The school Principal, Olehile Hammer encouraged the Grade 12 class to soldier on and be self-motivated as the final examinations commenced on 31 October. “I am sure if Kagisho were here, he would have said: In my name, in my memory, go show those examinations flames”, he said.
The burial was on Saturday, 29 October 2022. He leaves behind his parents, siblings and family members.
The family extends gratitude to learners, Teachers and members of the SGB from Tetlanyo High School for sharing their grief by organising a Memorial Service to honour their son.
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