This as the Free State Department of Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, confirmed to OFM News that a grade 10 learner at the Reikaeletse Secondary School in Koffiefontein, Lungelo Khathane, died this morning after succumbing to his injuries at a local hospital.

In the Free State, the police said they were investigating a case of murder after a 21-year-old man was accused of stabbing a 14-year-old school pupil, Elvino de Jager, in Heidedal in Bloemfontein on Saturday 5 October 2019.

On Monday 7 October 2019, the 14-year-old Tshepo Mphehlo lost his life after he was fatally stabbed by a 15-year-old at the Thuto-Tiro Comprehensive School in Sebokeng, zone 10, outside Vereeniging.

Just a day later the Northern Cape police confirmed that it was investigating a case of murder after the 17-year-old, Itumeleng Witbooi, was attacked with stones after a fight broke out at the Blinkklip Secondary School in Postmasburg on Tuesday 8 October 2019.  

OFM News reported Ndaba said the department had dispatched its officials to Koffiefontein this morning following the death of Khathane. Ndaba has confirmed to OFM News that he was stabbed late on Tuesday after school. He says although details are still sketchy at this point, the department is trying to obtain more information. The boy died at a local hospital after succumbing to the injuries he sustained during the alleged fight with a fellow pupil.

Meanwhile, the Education MEC, Tate Makgoe, has tweeted the department’s condolences to Khathane’s family, school mates, and teachers.

The Chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB) declined to comment on the matter, only calling the incident a dark cloud hanging over the school.

OFM News