Grade 11 learner stabbed to death during break at Mpumalanga school

As schools opened for the second week, a horrific stabbing incident in Mpumalanga claimed the life of an 18-year-old. 

The incident took place at a school in Mhluzi near Middelburg on Tuesday during break. 

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane says three male learners went to the back of the school premises, where an argument broke out and escalated into a physical confrontation.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that a 20-year-old learner, who is a Grade 10 pupil, became involved in a physical altercation with an 18-year-old learner, a Grade 11 pupil. During the altercation, the victim was allegedly stabbed,” Ndubane said.

Emergency medical services were called to the scene, but the victim could not be saved.

“Emergency medical personnel were summoned to the scene and, upon arrival, certified the 18-year-old learner deceased,” Ndubane confirmed.

The suspect fled after the incident but was later arrested.

“The suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident but was later arrested,” Ndubane said. 

The 20-year-old is expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of murder.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the violence, especially as it occurred at a school.

He emphasised  “Violence in educational institutions is unacceptable,” and urged learners, parents and communities to work closely with law enforcement “to prevent such incidents.”

IOL News