BOIPATONG – A Boipatong family is left shattered, and a mother is broken after her son was stabbed to death just meters away from his home and car wash business. Mohlalefi Mahlale (18) was allegedly attacked and stabbed multiple times following a heated quarrel with a group of local boys on July 17.

While the family fails to come to terms with the brutal murder, they hope justice will prevail amid their many unanswered questions.

Ster visited the Mahlale family home in Hlubi Street, a few meters away from the crime scene where Mohlalefi drew his last breath.

Wrapped in a blanket, sitting on a mattress next to a flickering candle, Molelekeng Xaba (46), mother to the deceased, relived moments when she found her son’s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood. “Mohlalefi had an altercation with some local boys earlier, before his demise.

When the squabble died down, he left the yard and hung around his car wash [several houses from his home],” she said.

A few minutes later, Molelekeng said she was called to a scene where her son lay covered in blood.

“Mohlalefi fought back when his killer stabbed him several times on the upper body. He tried to come back home with his injuries, but fell and succumbed to his injuries,” she said.

Taking turns during the interview, the deceased’s older sister, Mathlodi Mahlale, said they tried to call the police before things escalated, but help never came.

“Our attempts to save his life by calling the police didn’t materialise. We called the police before the quarrel spiraled out of hand, but we couldn’t get the muchneeded help. Maybe he would still be alive had the police responded in time,” she said.

While the family remains distraught by the killing, they call for justice. “

We are left devastated by Mohlalefi’s death. My brother had his mistakes, just like anyone else. Our family, especially my mom, hopes that justice will prevail and the law will play out,” she said.

The Mahlale family is not only mourning; they are also fuming over what they call lies being spread by a regional radio station that labelled Mohlalefi a former drug addict.

Mathlodi said, “We want to correct that incorrect narrative that my brother was a former drug user. Mohlalefi has never been to a rehab centre and he was not a drug addict. We are disappointed by this misinformation.”

“We can confirm that a case of murder is under investigation and a suspect was arrested,” said Boipatong police spokesperson, Constable Selina Mtimkulu.