Grief has engulfed the school community of MD Moetanalo Secondary School in Mhluzi after a Grade 11 learner was allegedly stabbed to death by a fellow learner during school hours, prompting an urgent intervention from the Mpumalanga Department of Education.

The department has confirmed the tragic death of the 19-year-old learner at MD Moetanalo Secondary School, which falls under the Steve Tshwete Circuit 1 in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

According to a media statement by the department, the incident occurred while learners were changing classes. It is alleged that an altercation broke out between two learners on the school premises, during which the victim was stabbed in the back.

Emergency medical services were called to the scene, but the learner was declared deceased by paramedics.

The school immediately notified the learner’s parents and reported the incident to the SAPS. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are searching for the suspect, who is also a learner at the school and allegedly fled the scene after the stabbing.

The Department of Education has condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing violence on school grounds as a direct threat to the safety and well-being of learners, educators, and support staff, and a violation of learners’ constitutional rights to a safe learning environment.

The Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Ms Lindi Masina, is expected to visit the school and the bereaved family tomorrow, where she will pay her respects and receive a full report on the incident.

She will be accompanied by officials from the department’s Inclusive Education and Wellness Unit, who will provide psychosocial support to learners, educators, and staff affected by the tragedy.

The department extended its heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, friends, and the broader school community during this difficult time. “May his soul rest in peace.”