A heavily pregnant mother, who is on the verge of giving birth to her second child, had the heartbreaking task of burying her first born son on Saturday.
The family of 11-year-old Duran Visagie, who was declared brain dead after he was shot in the head, also revealed that his organs would be donated to sickly children in need.
The Kraaifontein boy’s funeral was held at the Belmont Worship Tabernacle Church in Belmont Park where his community and school mates joined his relatives to say a final goodbye to him.
On 6 October, Duran, who was in Grade 5 at Brooklands Primary School in Northpine, was on his way to a huiswinkel to buy a packet of chips and a bompie when he was caught in gang crossfire in Joseph Avenue.
Three teenage suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting.
A blue carpet was rolled out and the boy’s school friends formed a guard of honour as his coffin was wheeled into the church.
His mother Anthea Visage, 34, could be heard crying and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight when she clung to his coffin as she closed it for the last time.
Relative Jonathan Lewis described little Duran as a lively little boy with a love for sport.
“He was an adventurous boy with a passion for cricket. He didn’t only excel in cricket but also wore the number 8 jersey for this school team.
“He had great leadership qualities and his mother was his everything,” says Jonathan.
Pastor Randall Pienaar commended Duran’s brave parents for donating his organs.
“To have a child is a blessing and an asset from God. Our children are borrowed to us.
“Today I salute what his parents have done, to donate his organs to other four kids to live longer.”
Police say two teenagers aged 17 and 18 were arrested, while one of their girlfriends, a 19-year-old woman, was arrested for allegedly hiding the murder weapon.