Gr 8 learner stabbed to death outside secondary school in Gauteng

A stabbing incident at Oakdale Secondary School in Ennerdale, Johannesburg, left a Grade Eight learner dead, with another learner – in Grade 10 – taken to hospital for urgent medical care following the attack yesterday.

It is said the stabbing occurred before the start of the curriculum delivery outside the school premises.

The incident is allegedly a result of a fight that broke out among pupils on Wednesday. It is further alleged the incident was influenced by prevalent gangsterism among learners from different schools in the area.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The Gauteng Department of Education dispatched its psychosocial support unit on the same day of the incident to provide counselling to those who witnessed the traumatic events. The unit will visit the school again today.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm a stabbing incident, which took place in a school, and claimed the life of one of our pupils while injuring another. No child must ever be harmed, especially in our school environment. As such, we call upon our law enforcement agencies to ensure justice prevails. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased learner, as well as the pupil, who is currently recovering in hospital,” says MEC for Education and Youth Development in Gauteng Matome Chiloane.