A Gr 10 learner from Aha-Thuto Secondary School at Orange Farm outside Johannesburg was stabbed and killed, allegedly by a fellow learner, yesterday afternoon.

According to information at Sedibeng Ster’s disposal, the 17-year-old was stabbed during lunchtime and the incident occured on the school premises.

Following the incident, the stabbed learner was taken to a local clinic where he died later on.

An altercation reportedly ensued between other learners and the learner believed to be responsible for the stabbing. The school was closed due to the latter incident.

A source close to the incident told the Sedibeng Ster that fights often break out inside the school premises.

“It is unfortunate that today a learner lost his life. These pupils always enter the school through the broken wall just to bring in weapons, despite having security personnel at the gate. The teachers fear for their lives, even some of these security guards fear these young children,” he says.

When the publication visited the school later during the day, one patroller had a knobkierie to protect against violent and uncontrollable learners.

Sedibeng Cluster police spokesperson Sergeant Shaan Motsapi confirms the incident and says a murder investigation is underway.

“Police received a complaint of stabbing at Aha–Thuto Secondary School. It is alleged that the 16-year-old and a 17-year-old schoolmate had a fight over a taser and a friend intervened and stopped them. During the school break, the two met again and a fight ensued. The 16-year-old suspect took out a knife and stabbed the 17-year-old on the thigh,” he explains.

Motsapi says the victim was taken to Stretford clinic for medical attention, but passed on due to the stabbing wound.

“A case docket of murder is registered for further investigation. The suspect was immediately detained for murder. The murder weapon [was] also seized. The suspect will soon appear at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court facing [a] charge of murder,” he adds.

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona did not respond to media inquiries at the time of publishing this story.