Lesufi said that camera footage from the scene had been provided to the police but he could not give information as it could jeopardise the case.

Lesufi confirmed that the Mondeor High School pupil who was stabbed Wednesday morning and later died was a 19-year-old grade 11 learner, Khulani Mathebula, who stayed about a kilometre from the school premises. Mathebula's uncle, Themba Chauke, accompanied Lesufi.

"We need to review our systems but there is a situation that is uncontrollable," Lesufi said.

Chauke said Mathebula was ambitious and had a bright future ahead of him.

"To think it would end like this... I expected a lot from him... He was so ambitious, unfortunately, it had to come to this," Chauke said.

Lesufi said that the education department was under pressure and needed assistance from other government agencies to assist with the safety of learners.

Lesufi rushed to the school soon after reports of the stabbing surfaced. 

Addressing those gathered, Lesufi said: "We would like to extend our sincere condolences ... to family members and assure them of our support."

South African Police Services' Major General Max Masha said that they hoped to make arrests within 72 hours.

African News Agency (ANA)