Woman fatally stabbed remembered in emotional memorial service
The memorial service was organised by Jozi FM in collaboration with the office of Councillor Phelelani Sindani, bringing the community together to offer comfort to the family of Mathonsi.
Family, friends, work colleagues and the community of Soweto gathered at the Word of Faith Ministry to attend the memorial service for Snenhlanhla Mathonsi (22), on May 8.
The memorial was organised by Jozi FM in collaboration with the office of Councilor Phelelani Sindani, bringing the community together to offer comfort to the family of Mathonsi.
Mathonsi was stabbed to death, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, inside a Pick n Pay Supermarket, while she was on duty on May 4.
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The suspect was arrested and appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on May 6, where he abandoned his bail bid.
Speaking at the memorial, Pick n Pay assistant manager Bogosi Saane described Mathonsi as a professional and dedicated worker.
“Mathonsi was someone who uplifted her team with grace. She was both a team leader and a team player, and she was very focused in her work. Her smile had a special spark that drew customers to the store.
“We will forever miss her smile. Her contribution to Pick n Pay will never be forgotten,” he said.
A letter written by Youth Desk representative Nonceba Ngemane was read out during the memorial.
“We have gathered here today not because we want to, but because we have to. We have lost another young woman, a 22-year-old full of dreams, laughter, and life.
That life was stolen from her, from her family, and from all of us. We are tired. Tired of burying our sisters. Tired of pretending we are safe when we are not.
“Her name is not just a headline. She was someone’s daughter. Someone’s friend. Her story must shake us awake because enough is enough.
“We cannot normalise this. No woman should ever have to fear a man who claims to love her,” read Ngemane’s letter.
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, was among those who came to offer sympathy and condolences to the Mathonsi family.
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Morero said they are going to fight femicide and GBV with whatever means possible at their disposal.
“I want to encourage all of us to fight this pandemic, but also to invest in the boy child to teach them that every girl they encounter is like a sister, and they have a responsibility to protect and respect her.
“We must also teach our girls that if a partner lays a hand on them, it means that person is not right for them, and they must have the courage to leave,” he said.
