LEARNERS, community members and members of various political parties gathered outside the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 25, in support of 19-year-old Siphelele Ngubane, who was shot and killed at a school in KwaNdengezi.

Ngubane was shot and killed on Monday, September 14.

It is alleged that Ngubane and the suspect were seen entering the school premises together before the suspect allegedly shot the teenager several times. Ngubane was declared dead at the scene.

The suspect, who was reportedly wearing the same school uniform, fled the scene.

On Wednesday, September 22, KwaNdengezi police arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with Ngubane’s murder.

Also read: Learner shot dead at KwaNdengezi school near Pinetown

“The suspect was tracked and traced by police and found in the Zwelibomvu area. Further investigations are being conducted as the suspect may be linked to two other murder cases, one of which involves a house robbery. The suspect is due to make his first appearance at the Pinetown Magistrates court on Friday, September 25,” said KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu.

Among those gathered outside the court was Mnqobi Bhuleni from Mariannhill, who said he was shocked by Ngubane’s murder as the two had attended the same primary school.

“I know him as a person who enjoyed playing soccer. He was respectful and friendly. Even though we went to separate high schools, I used to see him around and he was still the same friendly person he was back in primary school,” said Bhuleni.

Other learners said they attended the gathering because they wanted justice to be served.

“We fear for our lives. We were left traumatised by this incident. School is where we are supposed to feel safe,” said one learner.

Ward 12 DA councillor candidate Kwanele Ngcobo said the gathering was intended to send a strong message to criminals that they could not commit crimes in townships and expect to get away with them.

“We want our townships to be safe and have peace, not to be a playground for heartless criminals. No learner should go to school and return in a coffin. We want to make this case an example that we will not tolerate criminals.

“We did put pressure on the police and they did their work, and we commend them. We also want the justice system to play its part in removing the accused from our society, as there are reports that the accused is involved in other cases,” said Ngcobo.

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