By Levy Masiteng
Two Gauteng learners have been killed in separate stabbing incidents, raising renewed concern over violence affecting school communities.
The incidents involved a 17-year-old Grade 8 learner from Forest High School in Johannesburg, and a Grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School in Ennerdale, the Gauteng Department of Education said on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: UKZN professor wins inaugural global dermatology award
It said preliminary reports indicated that the Forest High learner was severely beaten and stabbed on Friday, 20 March, at Rotunda Park, near the school, after classes.
He was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to another facility, where he died from his injuries.
In a separate incident on Monday (yesterday) a Grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School was stabbed to death in an open veld between the school and a local store while walking home after school.
“The circumstances surrounding these incidents are currently under investigation by police,” the department said.
The department said psycho-social support services had been mobilised and would be provided to learners, educators and the bereaved families.
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane said the deaths were a loss for the province’s education community.
ALSO READ: DA wants ETDP SETA hearing over R637.6m audit findings
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both school communities affected by these tragedies. Violence against our learners, whether within or outside school premises, is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
“We call on communities to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, and to stand united in protecting our children so that our schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning,” said Chiloane.
