By Bhekizenzo Zonele
A six-year-old girl is fighting for her life after she was allegedly stabbed multiple times inside a classroom at a school in Umhlali, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, raising concerns about security at the facility.
The incident occurred on the morning of 13 October 2026 at a church-based educational facility on the North Coast.
According to local reports, the 16-year-old suspect allegedly entered the school through the back of the property at about 8.15am, locked a classroom door and stabbed the child before attempting to flee.
The girl sustained serious stab wounds to her chest, abdomen and arm and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that a 16-year-old boy had been arrested on charges of attempted murder and assault.
“It is alleged that the teenager entered a classroom occupied by learners and an educator, locked the door and stabbed six-year-old girl multiple times before attempting to flee the scene,” Ngcobo said.
Police said preliminary investigations had established that the teenager was previously arrested for intimidation in April 2026.
He was also allegedly linked to a failed bombing attempt at Ballito Junction shopping centre in March 2026. He is believed to be a former pupil at the school.
IPSS Medical Rescue paramedics responded to the scene and stabilised the child before transporting her to a specialist medical facility in Durban.
IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick confirmed that the girl was in a critical condition.
“The girl, who was stabbed multiple times, is in a critical condition and has been transported to a specialist facility under the care of IPSS Medical Rescue Advanced Life Support Paramedics,” Meyrick said.
The North Coast Courier reported that the teenager was allegedly carrying several dangerous items, including a large kitchen knife, cable ties, an improvised firearm fitted with a blade and a bag containing camouflage clothing.
The publication also reported that the teenager had allegedly published a manifesto before the Ballito Junction incident, outlining grievances and making threats, including references to the school where Tuesday’s stabbing occurred.
The teenager was previously admitted to Town Hill Hospital, a specialised psychiatric facility in Pietermaritzburg, following the Ballito Junction incident.
He was reportedly seen at the shopping centre again on 1 July and arrested on 3 July before being released after appearing in the KwaDukuza Regional Court.
Tuesday’s stabbing has raised questions about security at the school, including how the suspect allegedly gained access through the back of the property and locked the classroom door.
The incident adds to concerns about violence and safety in South African schools.
The teenager remains in police custody and is expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court.
INSIDE EDUCATION
