Shattered by loss – Family demands justice after fatal stabbing of 16-year-old
The family of Dianté Diedericks (16), who was stabbed to death, shares their shattering loss and demands justice.
Sixteen-year-old Danté Diedericks left home early on August 22, expecting a normal day at school. He never arrived. While waiting for the school bus, he was fatally stabbed.
His family now faces the heartbreaking reality of his death and is calling for justice.
In a few words, Danté’s mother, Bernadette, said she still could not believe her son had been killed. Heartbroken, she was unable to say more.
Speaking to the Randfontein Herald, Danté’s eldest sister, Whitney Golden, shared her grief.
“I cannot accept it. I still hope that Danté will come back home and tell us it was all a joke. I struggle to sleep at night, and when I look at his pictures, I cry. It reached a point where I wanted to take my own life. My mother is holding it all in, but I can see that it is affecting her,” she said.
• Also read: Family, friends pay tearful tribute to Danté (16)
Whitney described her brother as naturally humorous, with a love for dancing and music. He was skilled with his hands, enjoyed fixing things, and, according to her, was a respectful young man who never spoke ill of others.
“He always smiled, no matter where he went. He appreciated the smallest of things. He was such a gentle, loving and pure soul,” she explained.
Whitney added that Danté loved school and only stayed home when he was too sick to go. His favourite food was bread and tea.
“I will miss the mornings when he would make noises and laugh. I would always ask him, ‘Danté, why are you making so much noise? We are trying to sleep.’ I will miss the days when you could hear him in the streets because he was always laughing. He would usually stand on the wall and start dancing, and then all the children would come to join him.
• Also read: Boy killed in Toekies, another minor arrested, police confirm
“There are so many bad people, but Danté loved them all nonetheless. We just want the community to stand with us and help us get justice,” she said.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a case of murder has been opened and the investigation is ongoing. She added that another minor has been arrested in connection with the stabbing.
