Emotional memorial service held for Rhodes Park victim

25-year-old, Kela who taught at the school for two years was brutally assaulted and drowned by 12 men at Rhodes Park in Kensington this past Saturday in a horrific incident that made headlines around the country.

Kela, along with a friend of his and their girlfriends, were walking in the park at 6.30pm on the day when the gang attacked them. The two men were tied up and thrown into the lake. They drowned. One of the woman was raped while the other managed to flee.

The school’s principal Been Robinson said the memorial service was to celebrate Kela’s legacy at the school.

“We are grateful that we could have such a wonderful, young and energetic teacher working with us.

“We found it fitting to give him the right send off as a school,” said Robinson.

Distraught pupils, the school staff, Gauteng Department of Education representative David Fransman, Dr Eugeney Maraba of Faith Ministry International, CPF chairperson Tully Michaels, the rugby team he helped coach and a representative from The Lions Rugby Union all paid tribute to Kela.

His uncle Pascort Kela delivered a very joyous message and brought smiles to the faces of the pupils.

“Where there is faith, there is love and where there is love, there is peace,” said Pascort Kela.

His mother, two sisters, brother and fiancé were also present.

Maraba in her message gave the family “motherly” inspiration.

“I do not know what it feels like to lose a child, but if you put your faith in God then he can heal your wounds,” said Maraba.

A poem from his register class said; “He could only think of good things, he was our father and was always there for us and he will be dearly missed”.

The funeral will take place at his family home Bess Valley on Sunday from 7 am.

Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and investigations are ongoing.

Cleveland police communications officer, Constable Mpho Mashakane, said no arrest had been made, Joburg East Express reported.

She urged anyone with information about the crime and the whereabouts of the 12 attackers to come forward or contact the Cleveland Police Station on 011 677-5700.

– Caxton News Service