According to the Education Department's spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, the grade 12 teacher, who has since been identified as Matefo Mphosela (35), was fatally stabbed by a 21-year-old learner on the night of Thursday 20 October 2021 in Soutpan.  

He says according to information at his disposal, the incident occurred Thursday night at the teacher's house. 

Ndaba says the motive for the killing is not known at this stage and the incident has since left educators and pupils in a state of shock and distress.

The incident comes just days before the start of the 2022 grade 12 examinations.

"Police are investigating a case of murder after a grade 12 physical science teacher, Ms Matefo Mphosela (35) was fatally stabbed by a school pupil ( 21), a grade 12 learner, last night Thursday 20 October 2022.

"The Free State Department of Education [MEC], Dr Tate Makgoe said they were devastated by the incident. 

"The visibly distraught principal of the school, Mr Nameng Sehloho described Ms Mphosela,  who hailed from Botshabelo, as a very hard-working and committed teacher," Ndaba adds.

According to the school principal, in 2019 the deceased teacher gave the school 85%, in 2020 82% and last year 84.2% in physical science .

The school principal said they have lost a consummate educator, a fountain of knowledge and a paragon of a noble teaching profession.

MEC Makgoe has since commended police for swiftly arresting the alleged perpetrator.

Makgoe is set to visit the family of the deceased on Saturday 22 October 2022 in Botshabelo outside Bloemfontein.

The Department of Education is providing counselling to affected educators and learners. Details of the memorial service and funeral will be communicated later, Ndaba further adds.

Meanwhile, according to police spokesperson Thabo Covane, the police have since opened a case of murder at the Soutpan police station.

"During Thursday evening 20 0ctober 2022, the police received a complaint from Maine Street in Ikgomotseng near Soutpan. A patrol vehicle was dispatched to attend and on arrival at the scene, the 35-year-old female, who is said to be a teacher, was already in the ambulance ready to depart for Pelonomi Hospital. 

"According to medical reports, the victim died on the way to the hospital. The deceased had one stab wound on the left side of the upper body. 

"The police arrested the [suspect] who is a Grade 12 learner at Kagisano Combined School in connection with the incident. The investigation in the matter continues," Covane adds.

OFM News