GQEBERHA – With his final school year nearing its end, Duwayne Thomas (19) had only a few months left before completing Grade 12.
Instead, the Chatty Secondary School learner’s journey was cut short when he was fatally stabbed in Riemvasmaak on Saturday night.
Thomas, described by his school as a “beloved Grade 12 learner”, was stabbed in the chest in Nysschen Street, Riemvasmaak, Extension 29, at about 21:50 on Saturday, 8 August.
Bethelsdorp SAPS is investigating a case of murder.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said police officers responded to a complaint of murder and, upon arrival, found Thomas’s body at the scene.
“He sustained a stab wound to the chest,” she said.
According to Janse Van Rensburg, preliminary information indicates that Thomas’s sister was allegedly involved in an argument with the suspect.
“She subsequently informed her brother, who confronted the suspect. A fight allegedly broke out, during which the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the deceased once in the chest before fleeing the scene,” she said.
The suspect has since handed himself over to Bethelsdorp SAPS and is expected to appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 August, on a charge of murder.
“The investigation is continuing,” Janse Van Rensburg said.
Chatty Secondary School mourns learner
Chatty Secondary School has paid tribute to Thomas in a social media post.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Duwayne Thomas, a beloved Grade 12 learner,” the school said.
“Duwayne’s passing has left a deep void among his family, friends, classmates, educators and the entire school community. We remember him for the person he was and the memories he created during his journey with us.”
The school extended its condolences to Thomas’s family and loved ones.
“The Chatty Secondary School family mourns the loss of one of our own. Duwayne will forever remain in our thoughts and memories,” the school wrote.
“Rest peacefully, Duwayne. Your journey with us will never be forgotten.”
Thomas’s educator, Deon Kleinbooi, also paid tribute to him on social media.
“I was about to mark your script when I heard of your passing. What a senseless brutal end to a beautiful soul, Rest Duwayne Thomas I’m going to miss you son, I’m completely broken.”
