The accused in the murder of 18-year-old Kamogelo Matsipe, a learner at LD Moetanalo High School, made a brief appearance at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court today.

Matsipe was fatally stabbed at the school on Tuesday. The suspect, a 20-year-old fellow learner, was arrested later that evening after allegedly stabbing Matsipe in the back and fleeing the scene.

Accused faces murder charge

B.P. Mgidlane is facing a charge of murder and is expected to return to court next week for a formal bail application.

Community members gathered in large numbers outside the courthouse to show support for the Matsipe family and to demand that the suspect be denied bail. The Mhluzi community has expressed outrage over what they describe as the senseless killing of an innocent child, calling for tighter security measures to be implemented at local schools.

At this stage, funeral arrangements for Matsipe have not yet been confirmed.

Education mec calls for parental involvement

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, visited the victim’s home yesterday to convey condolences and offer support on behalf of the department.

Masina condemned violence in schools and reiterated the department’s stance against bullying and gangsterism. She urged parents to work closely with schools to ensure learners do not bring weapons onto school premises.

“Teachers can only do so much. Parents must play their role in ensuring that children come to school unarmed,” Masina said.

Seecond incident in Nkangala district

According to the MEC, this is the first incident of its kind at LD Moetanalo High School. However, a similar incident was reported elsewhere in the Nkangala district last year.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.