'My child did not deserve to die like this': mom of Valhalla High learner breaks silence after son is stabbed during robbery

“Dream Big” will be the words that will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who knew 17-year-old Junaide September, a vibrant Grade 11 learner from Valhalla High School in Elsies River whose life was cut tragically short in a senseless act of violence.

September died after being stabbed during a robbery on the corner of Malva and Petunia Street on Saturday. According to police, he was among three victims targeted by criminals.

Constable Ndakhe Gwala said the victims, aged 16, 17 and 25, were approached by two men attempting to rob them.“One of the suspects stabbed the victims, and the 17-year-old succumbed to the injuries. A tracing operation is underway to locate the suspect; no arrest has been made yet,” Gwala confirmed.

Grief filled the air at Valhalla High School on Thursday during a memorial service where learners, teachers, community policing forum members, neighbourhood watch groups, safety parents, and even kitchen staff gathered to honour the teenager who had touched so many lives. There was not a dry eye in sight as speaker after speaker reflected on his infectious positivity and unwavering spirit.

School principal Diego Adams described the devastating moment he learned of September’s death.“Funny enough, I could not picture his face when they called me. I then decided to drive to the scene even there I couldn’t put a face to him. Then I received a picture from another teacher and my heart sank,” Adams said.

“I couldn’t picture him because he was always the learner who had so much respect, admired by his classmates and teachers alike. He didn’t say, ‘let’s bunk class’. He didn’t say, ‘let’s disrespect an educator’. He didn’t say, ‘let’s not do our homework’. He didn’t say, ‘let’s embarrass the name of the school’. He always spoke life, he always spoke dreams and positivity.”

Adams said the tragedy should serve as a reminder to others.

“With a young life lost, we can only look at it as a message to live our lives right, to strive for excellence beyond adversity, whether spiritually or academically. Wherever you go, make sure you are safe. Whatever you do, make sure you are safe. No parent wants to lose a child, no teacher wants to stand in front of their class with news like this, and no learner wants to come to school knowing their friend is no longer there. Trek jou onder die bloed and be safe.”

The loss was felt deeply even among the school’s kitchen staff, who remembered September as a respectful and kind-hearted learner.

Kathleen Arendse recalled a moment just a week before his death when she asked learners to help pack pots after preparing food.“Junaide ran to assist and commented on how lovely the food smells,” she said. “I kept a plate aside for him, and what he said then breaks my heart now.”

“He told me the food tastes like ‘huiskos’ and said I must never forget him when I dish up on Thursdays ‘onthou my altyd, Miss’ those were his words. I was so heartbroken when I saw his picture on Saturday. I couldn’t believe it.”

Colleen Minnaar described September as a learner who showed unwavering respect to everyone he encountered.“Since I met Junaide, he has never shown any sign of disrespect. He would always greet you with a big smile and ask how your day is going,” she said. “You don’t get children like this anymore. Valhalla High has lost one of its best learners.”

September, a passionate rugby player, had dreams of one day representing South Africa on the international stage. His teammates described the talented wing as exceptionally dedicated, always first at training and constantly encouraging others to push themselves. Even opposing players spoke highly of his sportsmanship and character.

At the memorial, Professor Dr Jonathan Jansen spoke about the young boy’s faith, recalling a video in which September publicly committed his life to God through baptism. He described the teenager as someone unashamed of his beliefs and intentional about living a life guided by faith.

His mother, Colleen Lee, overcome with emotion, had to be assisted to her seat before addressing mourners. Speaking through tears, she described her eldest son as her pride and joy.

“He shared every dream with me. He really did dream big. He was so excited for his future, and now it’s been taken away why? Because they wanted his phone?” she said.

Lee revealed that her son had been preparing for trials with a semi-professional rugby team in June, an opportunity he had eagerly anticipated.

“I miss everything about him already the ‘I love you, Mommy’, the ‘I appreciate you’, even the small things like him asking if he looks right or joking about being my most handsome child,” she said. “If I knew, I would have kept him at home that night.”

She described him as a respectful and responsible child who always communicated his whereabouts and returned home promptly, often helping her without complaint.

One of her proudest moments, she said, was when they were baptised together. “He came to me and said, ‘Mommy, I am ready. I want to walk with God.’ And he did just that.”

While expressing forgiveness towards those responsible, Lee said she believes justice will ultimately prevail.

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