Uncle of stabbed pupil speaks out
MIDRAND - THE uncle of the pupil, Songezo Mabindla, who was stabbed to death with a pair of scissors at a school in Midrand, told Midrand Reporter that the incident has left the family devastated.
Mabindla was stabbed to death by a fellow pupil on 4 May. His uncle Andile Zabeko said, “Our son’s passing was tragic and unexpected. When you send a child to school you expect him to return home well, we are at a loss.”
Zabeko explained that the family is struggling to find out exactly why the youngster was killed. “The principal and pupils told us that our [nephew] and the accused fought over chairs, and soon after they argued over an allegation that the accused stole other pupils’ school bags,” he said.
He added that there are many versions about what sparked the deadly fight, but all the family wants are the exact details of what happened so that they can make peace with Mabindla’s untimely death.
Zabeko said his nephew will be buried in Ebony Park on 16 May. The family is waiting for the deceased’s mother to arrive and put together the money required to make funeral arrangements.
A parent of a pupil who attends the same school, said his son was traumatised by watching someone die. He said, “My son told me that the accused had an altercation with a girl who accused him of stealing other pupils’ school bags.
“Mabindla then tried to fight off the accused who wanted to hit the girl, but was stabbed to death in the process.”
The principal of the school was not immediately available to comment, but Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane said the department will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Ward 111 councillor Princess Nodikane said the Gauteng Department of Education has to handle this tragic incident properly so as similar tragedies don’t occur in the future. She stated, “I met with the family after the incident took place and, like them, I am wondering why such an incident can take place, especially during school hours. Where were the teachers when all this happened?”
On 6 May the school held a memorial service for Mabindla.
Ivory Park police spokesperson Neldah Sekgobela said, “Police were also told that the fight started after the accused was pointed out as the person who stole other pupils’ schoolbags. Police are still investigating the case.”
The accused appeared at Tembisa Magistrates’ Court on 6 May and will be back in court on 14 May for a bail application.
Share your condolences or your views on how to prevent such incidents at schools in the comments section below
