A 13-year-old school learner faces two counts of assault to cause grievous bodily harm after a stabbing at Helderberg High School on Friday. Police charged the Grade 8 learner and released him. He will appear in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 October.

The stabbing shocked the community of the private Christian-based high school when it happened at 07:45 on Friday, 23 October.

Warrant Officer Suzan Jantjies, spokesperson for Somerset West police, confirmed that the Grade 8 learner confronted four other learners about an issue. Two of the learners, both aged 14, were stabbed during the altercation.

“One was stabbed in the head and a second also stabbed in the head and arm,” Jantjies said.

Both injured learners went to hospital for medical treatment.

When DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette arrived at the school, some learners left with their parents while others chose to stay at school.

Deputy principal Andrew Mason issued a statement confirming that a serious incident involving learners had occurred within the school community.

“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of all learners,” the statement read.

The school did not provide further details or the circumstances of the incident, choosing to “respect the privacy and dignity of the learners involved as it is an ongoing investigation”.

The school confirmed it would follow appropriate procedures regarding the seriousness of the matter. Helderberg High School remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for learners to learn and thrive.

“We ask the school community and the public to respect the privacy of those affected while the matter is being addressed,” the statement concluded.

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