A Grade 10 learner at Bellville South High School has died after reportedly being struck by a classmate inside a classroom, prompting police to register a murder case.
According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), the incident involved two Grade 10 learners on Thursday 11 June. One learner allegedly struck the other, resulting in a fatal head injury. Despite receiving immediate medical assistance and being hospitalised, the injured learner passed away on Thursday evening.
The Bellville South Community Policing Forum (CPF) confirmed the learner’s death in a statement, saying: “Preliminary reports indicate that an incident occurred at Bellville South High School yesterday, as a result of which one learner was hospitalised. We have since received confirmation that the learner has tragically succumbed to his injuries.”
Murder case opened
Sgt Wesley Twigg, a Western Cape Police spokesperson, confirmed that Bellville South police have registered a murder case for investigation. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet,” said Twigg.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department extended its condolences to those affected. “Our condolences to the family, friends and school community for this tragic and alarming loss,” Hammond said. “Counselling support has been provided to the school and will continue. The details surrounding the incident are being investigated. The school will cooperate with the authorities in terms of their investigation.”
Perpetrator suspended
The WCED confirmed that the alleged perpetrator has been suspended and will face disciplinary action. As minors are involved, neither the victim nor the alleged perpetrator has been identified.
“We strongly condemn violence of this nature in our schools and extend our deepest condolences to the learner’s parents, family, friends, classmates, educators, and the wider school community.”
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The CPF urged the community to exercise restraint. “We therefore urge the public to refrain from speculation and to allow the investigative process to take its course,” the forum said in its statement.
Community in mourning
The CPF described the incident as “an extremely traumatic experience for the families involved and for the broader community”, adding: “May his soul rest in peace.”
