Following the fatal attack on Litha Duba, a Grade Eight learner at Forest High School, the Turffontein community is in shock and mourning.

Friends, neighbours, and classmates are struggling to come to terms with the senseless violence that took the young boy’s life.

His mother, Thulisile Duba, spoke to reporters about the horrifying moments that unfolded and the desperate attempts to save her son.

A mother’s agony

Thulisile’s voice shook as she recounted the nightmare.

“His mouth and the side of his head were swollen. I rushed outside, screaming for help. I went to a friend to ask what happened, and they said he seemed fine. But I had just come home, and he couldn’t speak. I called a neighbour for help, and since we couldn’t reach an ambulance, we had to rush him to South Rand Hospital,” she said, tears streaming down her face.

@southern.courierThulisile Duba recounts the desperate attempts to save her 17-year-old son, Litha Duba, after he was brutally attacked. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

At South Rand Hospital, doctors struggled to stabilise Litha, who was barely breathing and had to be placed on oxygen. His injuries were so severe that he needed to be transferred to Joburg General Hospital.

“Inside the ambulance, I asked if he would be okay. They told me he wouldn’t survive. I didn’t understand, so I had to Google what they meant,” she said, her voice breaking.

At Joburg General, doctors confirmed Litha had suffered internal bleeding that affected his heart, kidneys, and lungs. Despite their efforts, he could not be saved.

“The doctor went outside and told my friend that I couldn’t face the mother of the child, but Litha is no more,” Thulisile said, overcome with grief.

Family calls for justice

The Duba family is now demanding justice.

@southern.courierHis mother, Thulisile Duba, spoke to reporters about the horrifying moments that unfolded and the desperate attempts to save her son. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“I am begging for answers and justice. We want the authorities to find those responsible and put them behind bars,” said Thulisile.

Parents fear for learners’ safety

Ntombi George, a concerned parent from the area, says fear has gripped families following the incident, with many too scared to send their children to school.

“After the incident, I didn’t see any children going to school because they are scared. I also stopped my child from going to school, we are not safe at all. I would advise parents to ask neighbours or, if they have time, to accompany their children to school. If you can afford scholar transport, please do so,” she said.

@southern.courierParents fear for learners’ safety Ntombi George, a concerned parent from the area, says fear has gripped families following the incident, with many too scared to send their children to school. “After the incident, I didn’t see any children going to school because they are scared. I also stopped my child from going to school, we are not safe at all. I would advise parents to ask neighbours or, if they have time, to accompany their children to school. If you can afford scholar transport, please do so,” she said. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

George added that safety concerns around the school have been ongoing.

“There have been many incidents since I’ve been around the school. Learners fight, and even when we try to stop them, they fight us as parents. I would also like the school to prioritise safety because sometimes I see people jumping in and out of the school premises,” she said.

She said parents feel increasingly vulnerable.

“As parents, we are scared of these children because they move in groups. You don’t know which group they belong to, and they might turn against you. There is also a WhatsApp message going around saying children are in danger, so everyone is scared,” she added.

Threatening messages circulate among learners

A WhatsApp voice note, allegedly sent by a learner from Forest High School, claims that Litha was targeted simply for attending the school, raising further concerns about learner safety.

@southern.courierThreatening messages circulate among learners A WhatsApp voice note, allegedly sent by a learner from Forest High School, claims that Litha was targeted simply for attending the school, raising further concerns about learner safety. “Litha did nothing wrong. Some boys were already in trouble, and I don’t know why they hate Forest High this much. The message says, ‘Every Forest boy, if we catch you, we will beat and kill you, just like Litha,’” the voice note claims. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“Litha did nothing wrong. Some boys were already in trouble, and I don’t know why they hate Forest High this much. The message says, ‘Every Forest boy, if we catch you, we will beat and kill you, just like Litha,’” the voice note claims.

The message suggests that Litha was attacked because he attended Forest High, adding to fears of ongoing tensions and possible targeted violence among learners.

The tragedy has shaken the school and local community, leaving friends, classmates, and teachers mourning the loss of a bright and promising young life.

WATCH: Turffontein community in shock as Forest High learner dies