According to police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, from Park Road Police Station, the accused learner was released into his parents’ custody after appearing in court. He was charged with assault after stabbing another grade 12 learner. The accused will continue with his final exams and only return to court to learn his fate after the matric examination has been concluded.

OFM News previously reported that the Free State Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, confirmed that there is an increase in violence at schools, and it will be helpful if parents can assist in making sure children are not misbehaving. This can be done by checking learners’ bags for any dangerous weapons before they leave for school, and when they return.

The Free State Department of Education has expressed its concern about the surge in violence reported at schools over the past week. There have been different incidents that resulted in school pupils losing their lives. A school principal was also killed in an incident this weekend.

The principal of Mooifontein School in Zastron, Andile Ketso, was gunned down on 6 November and the motive of the killing is still unknown. A 13-year-old learner, Phemelo More, was stabbed by another 13-year-old, Thabo Hlalele, in front of other learners and teachers at Kegomoditswe Primary. Meanwhile, in Harrismith, a Grade 9 learner at the Lerato Thando Secondary School was stabbed by a grade 11 learner.

OFM News/Corn Koteli