‘I hope and pray that my younger sister (14) keeps working hard. I will always make sure I am there for her. It’s hard to lose a parent but losing two parents in the same year really hurts.’
These are the anguished words of Nkaelang Jnr Thubaki (24). His father, Nkaelang ‘Charlie’ Thubaki (50) was murdered in an apparent hijacking attempt a week before Christmas. His mother died in August.
Charlie, who taught at Dan Tloome Primary School was buried on Christmas Eve.
According to Col Adéle Myburgh, the NW SAPS media relations head, the police were called to the scene in Ext. 11 at about 06:10 on 18 December.
‘Upon their arrival, the ambulance personnel declared Thubaki dead. He had allegedly been stabbed with a sharp instrument in the back of a BMW vehicle. According to his girlfriend, three suspects hijacked them in Khuma. They demanded money and, when they could not give them any, they killed the victim,’ she said.
Capt Aafje Botma, the NW SAPS spokesperson, said the girlfriend had been taken in for questioning but there have been no arrests as yet.
When life was tough, he persevered and stayed true to his goals
In remembering his dad’s life lessons, Nkaelang Jnr says his father had always taught him never to say he was weak or unable. ‘He used to say he had become a teacher through soccer. When life was tough, he persevered and stayed true to his goals.’ The heartbroken son says his younger sister is his priority right now. ‘It’s her first year at Potchefstroom Technical High School and, despite her circumstances, she passed with flying colours and did my family and me proud,’ he said.
Phete Mongale, one of Charlie’s friends, says Dan Tloome will miss him. ‘He was an asset to the school. He used to go out of his way to assist needy learners,’ he said.
