The community of Schauderville in the northern areas of Gqeberha came together on Tuesday night to pay tribute to murdered teenager Chadwin Witbooi.
He was shot just a few meters from his home last Monday while on his way home from a study session for the matric exams.
The teenager succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.
Hundreds of people, including learners from Paterson High School, local soccer players, community members both young and old, gathered at his home on Jameson Street from where they marched to the S.M. Arends Hall seeking justice for Chadwin.
More than a week after he was shot, no one has yet been arrested.
Nelson Mandela Bay (NMBM) executive mayor, Gary van Niekerk, joined the march and called on the community not to shield the shooter.
"I am sure that the killer is known to the community, and therefore I plead with each and every one of you to drop an anonymous tip," he said.
Meanwhile, an air of immense sadness permeated through the packed hall when Chadwin's parents and siblings were called up to light a candle for him, with the sobbing of family, friends, young classmates and teachers filling the hall.
The 18-year-old matric learner was described as a "jolly person who always put a smile on people's faces."
A classmate and long-time friend was torn between tears of sadness and fond laughter as he spoke about his friend.
"Chadwin would have loved all this attention," said Keegan Fleur.
"But apart from making jokes, Chadwin also motivated many of us to see the matric exams through and make something of our lives."
The teenager's mother Cecilia, said she will always be proud of the type of person her son was.
"The attendance here today just shows the impact he had on people's lives."
She also said that they are taking his death by day and miss him so much.
"He was a real mama's boy and hopefully, as he would say "Dinge sal Balance". I hope we, too, get closure and understand why it had to be him."
