Unam Sishuba, a 17-year-old grade 9 pupil from Lavelilanga High School in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, has been laid to rest.
Sishuba died after his teacher allegedly set him alight recently.
He was buried on Friday at his place of birth in Zingqutu village in Lady Free, said the department of education in the Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape MEC for education Fundile Gade cautioned teachers in the province to respect the rights of the learners and the law.
“We have lost a national treasure,” Gade said.
“To avoid such a recurrence in future, I urge all law-abiding citizens and educators to continue advocating for the rights of all children and to protect them.”
He further conveyed condolences to the Sishuba family. “May the family find solace in God during this trying time of their lives.”
The alleged perpetrator of the crime has since been discharged from his duties and the South African Council for Educators has been informed of the department’s decision.
Violence rocks province’s schools
The province’s schools have been witnessing violent incidents in recent weeks.
On Sunday, three high school pupils were shot dead in separate incidents while studying for their year-end examinations.
The assailants started by opening fire on two pupils from Mzomhle High School, killing one, before proceeding to Buchule High School were they shot and killed two pupils.
The pupil who survived the attack at Mzomhle is critical but recovering in the hospital.
The schools are located in Mdantsane in East London and the deceased were in grades 11 and 12.
Several suspects accused of the killing have since been detained and are expected to appear in court soon.
Gade described the attack as a heinous crime and said the perpetrators must face the wrath of the law
“They have robbed the families of these young souls. We condemn this violence and crime against our learners and schools. It is concerning,” said Gade.
“The society needs to join hands in protecting our learners. We call upon the criminal justice system to effect harsh sentences to these heartless criminals.
Last week, a pupil from Parterson High School in Schauderville, one of the oldest settlements in Gqeberha, was executed in the same fashion.
