EASTERN CAPE – The Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, has condemned the fatal stabbing of a Grade 9 learner during an altercation with another learner at a school in the province.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the incident occurred on the school premises at Toise Senior Secondary School in Qonce (formerly known as King William’s Town) on the morning of Tuesday, 3 March, shortly before classes began.
The injured learner was rushed to Grey Hospital for urgent medical treatment. However, the hospital later informed the department that the learner had succumbed to the stab wounds.
Gade described the incident as a senseless act of violence and expressed deep sadness over the loss of a young life.
“We are devastated by this tragic loss of a young life. We urge parents to collaborate with us to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning and not places of fear and violence,” said Gade. “Both parents and community leaders must condemn this act of violence in our schools.”
The department has since mobilised psychosocial support services to assist learners, educators and the bereaved family with trauma counselling.
In an effort to stabilise the situation at the school, the School Management Team, the School Governing Body and police organised a multi-stakeholder meeting on Wednesday.
Gade also extended condolences to the family, friends and classmates of the deceased learner.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. No parent should ever have to bury their child under such tragic circumstances. We stand with them in their grief,” he said.
In a social media post, the school shared that there would be no classes (today) until further notice.
ALSO READ: Learner fatally stabbed after violent altercation at Humansdorp Secondary
