Martha Bartlett visited both the families of the Zimbabwean teacher, Kingston Vhiya, and the learner in Mothibistad following the incident on Saturday. She told OFM News that the department will assist the family of the teacher with the funeral arrangements.

“We asked the two families and various stakeholders to come together today. We intervened and asked them to work together and keep the peace. They indicated that they will leave the matter in the hands of the police as they are both affected by this incident.”

Barlett says the funeral will take place in Zimbabwe on Saturday.

“What I observed in the meeting, is that not one of the family members indicated that they are not willing to work together and we asked them if there is anything that they need. For the sake of our country, we must assist them. No family wants a loved one to go to another country and return in a casket,” says Barlett.

She says some of the educators at the school are still slightly disturbed following the incident.

“Some of the teachers and family members still feel unsafe and fear for their lives. They are a bit worried but we assured them that there is no need and that the community will work together,” says Barlett.

The police says the learner allegedly went to the teacher’s house on Saturday and started pelting stones at the windows. The victim went outside to try and calm down the suspect, but he was stabbed in the process. He was declared dead on the scene. The motive for the murder is not yet known, but according to information, the suspect had apparently failed Grade 8.

Police spokesperson, Dimakatso Mooi, says the grade 8 learner will appear in court again on January 22. He is currently being kept at a place of safety in Upington.

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