A year after the last incident, another learner has been stabbed to death at Oakdale Secondary School in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg.
The fight allegedly broke out on Wednesday morning before the start of classes. The 15-year-old Grade 8 learner at the school was stabbed to death outside the school premises.
Department confirms
Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC for Education and Youth Development, confirmed the news, stating that the matter is under police investigations.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm a stabbing incident that took place in a school and claimed the life of one of our learners. Another was injured. No child must ever be harmed, especially in our school environment,” said Chiloane.
“As such, we call upon our law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice prevails. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased learner, as well as the learner who is currently recovering in the hospital.”
A Grade 10 learner who was involved in the brawl is receiving hospital medical attention following injuries from the brutal fight.
Gangsterism among learners
The department alleges that the fight and stabbing were influenced by gangsterism among learners from various schools in the area. The fight allegedly started on Tuesday.
“The department dispatched its Social Support Unit this morning to provide counselling to those who witnessed the traumatic incident. The unit will visit the school again tomorrow morning,” he said.
An 18-year-old Grade 10 learner was also stabbed to death last year. The stabbing was allegedly motivated by bullying at the school. He died in the hospital shortly after the incident.
School violence incidents on the rise
In early 2023, it was reported that the safety of pupils and teachers had become a concern in schools nationwide. Over the last few years, there has been an alarming rise in death tolls and violent attacks on teachers and learners.
In 2022, the South African Police Services released crime stats that showed that 19 murders had been committed at educational facilities across the country.
