Free State Education Department spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, tells OFM News the learners from Bloemfontein Oos Intermediate School and Mokitlane Primary School in the Mangaung Metro were in grades 3, 4, and 5. The incident occurred amidst adverse weather conditions. The surviving grade 5 learner – aged 12-years - is currently receiving medical attention at a Thaba’ Nchu health facility. Ndaba expresses the department’s condolences over the tragedy.

The department spokesperson says psycho-social support will be offered to educators and learners at both primary schools in addition to the families of the young victims.

This tragedy come amidst a surge in school violence in the province over the past few weeks in which the lives of three school pupils and a principal were lost.

In one instance, the principal of Mooifontein School in Zastron, Andile Ketso, was gunned down on 6 November, whereas a 19-year-old Grade 12 learner was stabbed by another learner at a matric camp at Tempe, Bloemfontein. Furthermore, a 13-year-old learner, Phemelo More, was stabbed by another learner of the same age, Thabo Hlalele, at Kegomoditswe Primary.

Meanwhile, in Harrismith, a Grade 9 learner at Lerato Thando Secondary was stabbed by a grade 11 learner. The department has expressed its growing concerns over the incident to the media, adding that greater support is needed from the community in order to fight violence in schools.

OFM News