A Grade 11 boy learner, Lethabo Matula from Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, an informal settlement in Donkerhoek, Pretoria East, was allegedly stabbed to death by a Grade 12 learner on Tuesday, raising concerns about learner safety in schools.

According to preliminary reports from the Gauteng Education Department, the suspect had not attended school that day, but arrived after school hours, just as learners were boarding scholar transports, and carried out the attack outside the school yard. 

The victim was rushed to the Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The department reported that law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In the wake of the tragic incident, the Soil of Africa civic movement has sounded the alarm about the growing crisis of violence in township schools, particularly in Mamelodi.

The organisation is urging Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to deploy crime prevention units to schools immediately. 

Its leader, Bongani Ramontja, said the shocking incident underscored the urgent need for intervention.

“We are appalled by the senseless violence that has claimed the life of yet another innocent learner,” he said.

Ramontja called on the department to prioritise safety in schools and take immediate, tangible steps to prevent such tragedies. 

He stressed that the absence of sports facilities and skills development programmes in Mamelodi is fuelling gangsterism, leaving youth with few positive outlets for their energy and potential.

“Gangsters have become the new role models in our communities, and there are no sports facilities, and government schools no longer prioritise structured sports or developmental programmes,” he said.

Ramontja mentioned that Chiloane previously acknowledged that over 200 schools in the province are classified as high-risk during a school safety imbizo held in Tshwane approximately three months ago. 

“The Soil of Africa is deeply concerned about the lack of meaningful follow-up and the slow pace of response. The department has acknowledged the problem but is dragging its feet when it comes to solutions,” said Ramontja.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident, saying: “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.”

He strongly condemned 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,” he said.

The department has since dispatched a team of psychologists and the School Safety Unit to the school to provide trauma counselling to affected learners and educators, while strengthening safety interventions at the school.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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