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Melinkosi ( in white shirt and cap ) receives a prize during the 2016 Speech and Prize giving day

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
TWO Cyrene High School pupils who drowned and died during a school trip last month, were awarded certificates posthumously on Saturday for academic achievements.

Melinkosi Mhlanga (17) a Form Five pupil and Blessings Ngwenya (14), a Form One pupil drowned in a canoeing accident in Masiye Dam at Matopo National Park on September 19.

They were among 31 pupils from the Anglican Church-run boys’ boarding school who had visited Masiye Camp which is run by the Salvation Army Church when their canoe capsized and they drowned.

Speaking during a speech and prize giving ceremony that was held on Saturday at the school, the headmaster, Mr Charles Bhebhe said the school had been robbed of two geniuses.

“Death robbed us of two students in the second week of the term, Melinkosi Mhlanga and Blessings Ngwenya.

“Blessings was a Form One student, who had attained 13 one symbols during the mid-year examinations and was joint position one in the Form One stream. He receives his prize posthumously. He was also a good chess player and a promising handball player.

“Melinkosi was a lower six science student majoring in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physical Education.  At ‘O’ Level he had attained five As. He was a member of the school choir,” he said.

The late pupils’ families received certificates for the achievements.

Mr Bhebhe said no one understands why God takes away good people.

“Good people pass away; the Godly often die before their time but no one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow Godly paths will rest in peace when they die (Isaiah 57:1-2),” said Mr Bhebhe.

“In God’s care you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love. Memories of you are ours to keep. Our words are few but our love is deep.”

@winnie_masara