A nine-year-old pupil, who was allegedly bullied by two siblings, stabbed one of them to death on Wednesday.
The Free State department of education confirmed the news on Thursday.
According to the department, a Grade 4 pupil from Monamodi Primary School in Brandfort allegedly stabbed 11-year-old Kamogelo Leepile three times in full view of other pupils. Leepile, from a nearby WSM Malotle Primary School, died on the scene.
The incident happened on Wednesday after school, near the homes of the boys.
The suspect, according to the department, was taken to the police station on Thursday morning. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
Suspect’s mother had complained repeatedly about the bullying
Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the Free State department of education, confirmed the incident. He said the suspect’s mother had complained repeatedly about how the deceased and his brother were bullying her son.
Free State Education MEC Makalo Mohale expressed shock at the tragic incident. He called on all schools to be safe spaces for pupils and teachers.
“We take this time to send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the school community during this time of grief. No words are enough to express our sorrow at the loss of a child.
“[the department] hopes that the family will find comfort in the knowledge that we too share their loss,” said Mohale.
“We condemn any acts of learner misconduct, including bullying. And we relentlessly appeal to parents in assisting to enforce discipline in and outside schools’ environment.”
Department condemns acts of bullying, violence
Mohale said psycho-social services have since been dispatched to the affected schools to provide counselling.
“We cannot and will not tolerate delinquency and lawlessness in our schools. [It is our duty] to ensure that our schools are safe spaces for learning and teaching.
“Parents, communities and law enforcement agencies all need to play their role. This .to ensure that together we raise caring and responsible citizens,” he said.
Mohale urged parents and teachers to be vigilant and detect any worrying signs and unbecoming behaviour by pupils. He said that with the assistance of school-based support teams, parents and teachers can raise warning flags. This will help to circumvent the tragic incidents that occur in schools.
“The department will continue to collaborate closely with the police. This will also help to curb learner delinquency, violence and other social ills from taking hold of our schools,” he said.
