The suspect in the murder of 18-year-old Kamogelo Matsepe, a learner at LD Moetanalo High School, made a brief appearance at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court today.

Kamogelo was fatally stabbed at the school on Tuesday. The suspect, a 20-year-old fellow learner, was arrested later that evening after allegedly stabbing Kamogelo in the back and fleeing the scene.

The accused, Banele  Mngidlane, is facing a charge of murder and is expected to return to court next week for a formal bail application.

Community members gathered in large numbers outside the courthouse to show support for the Matsipe family and to demand that the suspect be denied bail.’

The Mhluzi community has expressed outrage over what they describe as the senseless killing of an innocent child and is calling for tighter security measures to be implemented at schools.

At this stage, funeral arrangements for Kamogelo have not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga MEC for Education Lindi Masina visited the victim’s home yesterday to convey condolences and offer support on behalf of the Department of Education.