According to the Free State MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe, eight learners decided to go for a swim after they were released from the premises and one drowned. This tragic incident is currently being investigated. The department will deploy our counsellors to debrief learners and teachers and offer trauma counselling. Makgoe offers his condolences to the family, fellow learners, and friends of the deceased.

OFM News previously reported that the department is concerned about the surge in violence reported at schools over the past weeks. 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 19-year-old Grade 12 learner was stabbed by another learner at a matric camp at Tempe, Bloemfontein. In another incident, 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 Lerato Thando Secondary was stabbed by a grade 11 learner.

OFM News/Corn Koteli