Danté Diedericks (16), who was recently stabbed and killed, was remembered by family and friends at his tearful memorial service on August 28.

The 16-year-old boy was fatally wounded during a stabbing incident on August 22 while waiting for the school bus. Angry community members gathered at the Toekomsrus Police Station in protest that same day.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, a case of murder is being investigated. On August 23, Sibeko also confirmed that another minor was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing.

The following week, Diedericks’s life was celebrated at VGK Jabes Ministries, where more than 100 community members gathered. The service was opened with a prayer to celebrate Diedericks’s life.

A resident walked onto the stage to testify about the type of boy Diedericks was.

• Also read: Boy killed in Toekies, another minor arrested, police confirm

“He was such a lovely and consolable boy. He shared everything with his mother, and he was a lovely brother to his sister. When I first met him, he had only three friends, but over time, he built a circle of more than 40. He was a quiet boy, and he could not dance to save his life. But on his last day, he danced anyway because he was a jokester. He attracted the community with his beautiful heart. I am proud that I got to know him these two years,” she said.

Family friend Faizel Bhana said Diedericks’s impact on Toekomsrus was unforgettable, opening his tribute with the words, ‘it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years’.

• Read the initial article here: Alleged screwdriver killing of schoolboy sparks protest

“The impact that Danté made in our lives in such a short time will always be memorable. We ran together in the running club, and he grew up in front of me. He was a very respectful young man, and a lot of people can learn from his example. To the Diedericks family, I am so sorry. We are losing so many young people. Where did we [community] go wrong? We need to set an example for our children because the gift of life is precious,” he expressed.

Diedericks’s sister, Whitney Golden, said she still struggles to accept the tragedy.

“I miss him so much, and I hope to see him again someday. I just hope we get justice,” she said.

His mother, Bernadette, is still too heartbroken and was unable to comment at this time.

Danté was buried on August 30.