A tragic incident has unfolded at Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, Pretoria East, following the death of a 16-year-old Grade 11 learner, who was fatally stabbed by a schoolmate on Tuesday.

The Gauteng Education Department said that the attack was allegedly perpetrated by a Grade 12 learner, who had not attended school that day.

According to preliminary reports, the boy arrived at the school after hours, just as students were preparing to board their scholar transport and proceeded to stab the Grade 11 learner just outside the school yard. 

The victim was subsequently rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was certified dead-on arrival.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said police are currently investigating the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. No child should ever lose their life in the pursuit of education. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the school community during this incredibly painful time.

“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, but may ultimately place you behind bars,” said Chiloane.

In response to the incident, the department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said they have dispatched a team of psychologists, and school safety unit to provide trauma counselling to affected learners and educators, while strengthening safety interventions at the school.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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