When Chris Plaatjie was told his only son had been stabbed at school, he dropped everything at work and drove to him, praying it was not too late.
But when he arrived at Humansdorp Senior Secondary School, his 18-year-old son, Liyolo Wakeni, lay sprawled on the floor, his body blood-soaked and lifeless.
And now that haunting image of his matric son’s bloodied body, covered in stab wounds, keeps replaying in his mind — over and over.
“I will never forget it,” the grieving father of two said.
Young Liyolo was stabbed during a scuffle with classmates on school grounds at around 8.15am on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said six teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder.
“Information in police records indicates that a violent altercation among learners at the school left one learner with stab wounds,” he said.
“The victim was declared dead at the scene.
“The six suspects — four minors aged between 16 and 17, and two others — were traced and located near the gravel road leading to Oyster Bay.
“The six were questioned and later detained on a charge of murder,” Nkohli said.
Nkohli said the four minors would appear in a children’s court, while the other two suspects would appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Eastern Cape education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said psychosocial support was activated.
“We have learnt of this incident through the district education department and the police, of course, were called to the scene,” he said.
“Psychosocial support was also activated to debrief and counsel the affected learners.
“Thus far, that is what has been done.
“We are still awaiting a report on what exactly happened leading to the death of the learner.
“As a department, we send our condolences to the bereaved family of the child.”
Speaking to IOL, an emotional Plaatjie described the last time he spoke to his son.
“The last time I spoke to him was Monday morning when he left home for school.
“He stayed in the hostel to study for exams.”
Liyola’s mother, Connie, was too distraught to speak.
Plaatjie described Liyolo as a friendly, smart and respectful child.
“Liyolo changed everyone around him for the better.
“Even when teasing someone, he could make them smile.
“Every time I go to his room, I look at his picture. He is always smiling. That’s how I will remember him.
“He was a good older brother to his nine-year-old sister … he loved her very much and they were very close.”
Plaatjie said his son had big dreams of becoming a lawyer.
“He wanted to make a change in the world … he wanted to help people.”
He recalled the day of the tragedy.
“I was busy loading a truck for work in Patensie to drive goods to Bloemfontein when I got the call.
“I immediately phoned my bosses and drove to the school. It was the longest drive ever.
“I was praying I wouldn’t be too late.
“When I arrived and saw him lying there, he was already dead. It’s a moment I will never forget.”
Plaatjie said he wanted justice to prevail.
“The suspects have been arrested, and I am trusting the legal system to take its course.
“I just want my son to be remembered as the boy he was — full of dreams and kindness.”
Nkohli said the investigation was ongoing.
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