A Grade 11 learner died after being fatally stabbed outside Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, an informal settlement in Donkerhoek, Tshwane, yesterday.

According to the education department, the perpetrator was allegedly a Grade 12 learner from the same school.

Pretoria Rekord reports that the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, says police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic stabbing.

Chiloane says preliminary reports suggest that the Grade 12 learner did not attend school that day but allegedly arrived when school came out.

He adds that just as learners were boarding their scholar transport, the Grade 12 learner allegedly stabbed the Grade 11 learner just outside the school yard.

“The victim was rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was sadly certified dead on arrival,” Chilaone explains.

He says he is deeply saddened by this tragic incident.

“In response, the Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched a team of psychologists and our School Safety Unit to the school to provide trauma counselling to affected learners and educators, while strengthening safety interventions at the school.”

He says the department is heartbroken by this senseless act of violence.

“No child should ever lose their life in the pursuit of education. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the school community during this incredibly painful time.”

He says the department condemns all forms of violence in and around schools, particularly by learners.

“Our schools must remain spaces of learning, safety and hope, not breeding grounds for brutality and violence. Learners must understand that violence has life-altering consequences. Such actions will not only remove you from the classroom, but may ultimately place you behind bars,” says Chiloane.

According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, Boschkop police arrived at the school to find the deceased, who was still alive at that time, lying on the ground with a stab wound to his stomach. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident happened outside the school premises at around 12:35.

“It is alleged that the 19-year-old learner was on his way home with a friend when he was attacked and stabbed,” explains Van Dyk.

He says after the victim was stabbed, he managed to run back to school for help, and an ambulance was contacted by the school’s staff.

“The victim was later declared dead at Ubuntu Clinic at Lethabong, east of Pretoria,” he adds.

A case of murder was opened at Boschkop police for further investigations.

“No arrests have been made so far,” Van Dyk says.

• This article has been amended since first being published to include comment from SAPS.

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