A 17-year-old Grade Eight boy learner from Forest High Primary was fatally stabbed and beaten at Rotunda Park on March 20.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, is devastated following the news of two learners being fatally stabbed in separate incidents.

It is alleged that a learner from Forest High School was severely beaten and stabbed at a park near the school after school hours, while a Grade 12 boy learner from Daleview Secondary School in Ennerdale was fatally stabbed on March 23, in an open veld while walking home after school.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Forest High School learner was allegedly severely beaten and stabbed last Friday at Rotunda Park, located near the school, after school hours.

The learner sustained severe injuries during the incident and was initially rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to another hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In a separate incident, the department was informed that a Grade 12 boy learner from Daleview Secondary School was stabbed to death in the veld between the school and a local store while walking home after school.

The circumstances surrounding these incidents are currently under investigation by the police.

Psycho-social support services have been mobilised and will be provided to learners, educators, and the respective bereaved families to assist them during this difficult time.

“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,” said MEC Chiloane.

“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.”

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