A Grade 11 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, an informal settlement in Donkerhoek, Pretoria East, has died after he was stabbed by a schoolmate.
According to the Gauteng education department, the incident happened on Tuesday, when a Grade 12 learner attacked the deceased.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed profound sorrow over the loss. He described the act as a senseless tragedy.
Suspect was not at school on the day
Even though the details around the case are still sketchy, preliminary reports indicate that the Grade 12 learner, who had not attended school on the day of the incident, arrived after school hours as learners were boarding their scholar transport.
He proceeded to stab the deceased learner and left.
The victim was rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival.
“We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. No child should ever lose their life in the pursuit of education,” he said.
He further extended condolences to the family and the school community.
“As the department, we strongly condemn all forms of violence in and around schools, particularly by learners.
“Our schools must remain spaces of learning, safety, and hope, not breeding grounds for brutality and violence. Learners must understand that violence has life-altering consequences.
“Such actions will not only remove you from the classroom. They may ultimately place you behind bars,” said MEC Chiloane.
Counselling arranged for school
In response, Chiloane said the department has deployed a team of psychologists and its School Safety Unit to Lesedi Secondary to provide trauma counselling for learners and educators. And to also bolster safety measures at the school.
Additionally, Chiloane condemned all forms of violence in and around schools. He emphasised that such actions have severe consequences.
“The department is committed to ensuring safe learning environments. And we urge the community to support efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Law enforcement has launched a full investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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