Gauteng education authorities are reeling after two learners were fatally stabbed in separate incidents within days of each other.
A 17-year-old grade 8 learner from Forest High School in Johannesburg and a grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School in Ennerdale died after being attacked whilst off school premises.
The Forest High School learner was severely beaten and stabbed on Friday, 20 March at Rotunda Park, located near the school, after schooling hours. He sustained severe injuries and was initially rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to another facility, where he later died.
In a separate incident on Monday, 23 March, the Daleview Secondary School learner was stabbed to death in an open veld between the school and a local store whilst walking home after school.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
Gauteng MEC for education Matome Chiloane expressed devastation at the deaths. “This is a deeply painful loss for our education community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both school communities affected by these tragedies,” he said.
“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.”
Psycho-social support services have been mobilised and will be provided to learners, educators, and the bereaved families.
The deaths come amid growing concerns about school violence in Gauteng. Earlier in March, a 16-year-old learner was allegedly fatally stabbed by a fellow pupil at another Gauteng school.
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