Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, visited the family of slain learner Kamogelo Sphamandla Matsepe at their home in Tokologo today to offer condolences and support following his tragic death.

The MEC was accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Education, including departmental spokesperson Jasper Zwane.

Kamogelo’s life was cut short yesterday after he was stabbed in the back during lunch break at LD Moetanalo High School. He died at the scene.

Before visiting the family, the MEC and her team stopped at the school where the incident occurred. Although teaching continued as normal, both learners and staff were visibly distressed and struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

The Matsipe family was deeply shaken and inconsolable during the visit. Speaking on behalf of the family, Kamogelo’s aunt, Yandiswa Mize, told the Middelburg Observer that they first learned about Kamogelo’s death from another person, not the school.

“A family member rushed to the school and found Kamogelo’s lifeless body lying on the ground while we waited for the forensic team to arrive,” she said.

Mize added that the family is devastated and traumatised by the senseless act.

“When we heard that the suspect had been arrested, we felt some relief because we were also actively searching for him together with the police. We are still struggling to accept what happened because Kamogelo was a good child. He loved playing soccer in his spare time and never caused trouble,” she said.

MEC Masina condemned violence in schools and reiterated the department’s stance against bullying and gangsterism. She urged parents to work closely with schools to ensure learners do not bring weapons onto school premises.

“Teachers can only do so much. Parents must play their role in ensuring that children come to school unarmed,” Masina said.

She further confirmed that the department will provide ongoing psychosocial support to Kamogelo’s family, affected learners, and school staff, for as long as necessary.

“This support will continue until all those affected are able to process and cope with the trauma,” she said.

According to Masina, this is the first incident of its kind at LD Moetanalo High School. However, a similar incident was reported elsewhere in the district last year.

She acknowledged that despite existing safety measures, learners often find ways to smuggle weapons into schools, presenting a serious challenge for educators and authorities.

The MEC conveyed the department’s deepest condolences to the Matsepe family and pledged continued support during this difficult period.

* A suspect was apprehended last night in connection with the incident.

@middelburgobserver

Mpumalanga Education MEC Lindi Masina arriving at the home of slain learner Kamogelo Matsipe to offer condolences and support, as a grieving family comes to terms with a tragic loss. MiddelburgObserver, DepartmentOfEducation, Middelburg, LDMoetanaloSchool, Murder, Stabbed

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