LD Moetanalo Secondary School is once again at the centre of safety concerns after a social media post alleged that a learner brought a knife to school and threatened fellow pupils.

The latest incident comes as the community continues to reel from the January stabbing that claimed the life of 18-year-old Kamogelo Matsipe, Banele Prince Mgidlane will be in court again today for his bail application. whose accused killer, Banele Prince Mgidlane (also known as BP), is due in court today to apply for bail.

A social media post by a concerned mother claims that a 17-year-old Grade Eight learner carried a knife onto the school premises last week. According to the post, the learner allegedly threatened fellow pupils, chased them while not wearing a school uniform, and used derogatory language.

The post also alleges that the learner, together with a Grade Nine friend, intimidated other children, leaving some too scared to walk home alone.

Concerned parents said that incidents like these highlight a worrying trend of violence among learners. “Our children are living double lives, at home they are one person, at school another, and on the streets, they are gangsters,” said one parent.

The post claims that the learner’s parents said he left school early due to stomach issues, but other parents dispute this, saying he fled after the alleged confrontation. Many now feel compelled to escort their children home for safety.

Department of Education responds

Jasper Zwane, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Education, told the Middelburg Observer that the department had not been informed of the alleged knife incident and would contact the school to verify the claims.

Murder suspect to apply for bail

The community remains on edge following the January stabbing of 18-year-old Kamogelo. The suspect, Mgidlane, is expected in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court today. He faces a charge of murder and will be applying for bail again. The previous court appearance drew large numbers of concerned residents demanding stricter security measures in schools and justice for Kamogelo.

• The Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, visited Kamogelo’s family a few days after the murder to offer condolences on behalf of the department.

• Parents in Mhluzi are calling on fellow caregivers and teachers to work together to prevent violence and ensure schools remain safe spaces for learners.

• The Observer can’t say where the post about the learner who apparently took a knife to school was shared, because it identifies him, and he is a minor (according to the law, we can not identify a minor suspect).