No bail for teen accused in Umhlali school stabbing

The 16-year-old accused in Tuesday’s school stabbing in Umhlali will remain in custody at the Durban Youth Correctional Centre in Westville while court proceedings are ongoing.

A Legal Aid attorney told the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court this morning that the teenager will not apply for bail. The case has been remanded until October 30 to allow for further investigation.

The accused is charged with housebreaking with intent to murder (upgraded from housebreaking with intent to cause grievous bodily harm), attempted murder and trespassing.

He first appeared in court in camera (behind closed doors) on Wednesday after allegedly stabbing a six-year-old girl several times at The Creative Class Room school in Umhlali.

The girl was stabbed under her right armpit, in the abdomen and in the bicep and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

On Thursday she was reportedly stable and still in ICU.

The accused’s remand in custody comes as a huge relief to the public who feared for their and their children’s safety – particularly as the accused’s identity legally cannot be revealed because he is a minor. A mother who has two boys at the school told the Courier that her greatest fear leading up to the outcome of today’s court appearance was that the boy may be let out again.

“We can’t rely on the criminal justice system. How do we protect this community from him if he is released again?” said the mother, who asked to remain anonymous.

Her eldest son was in the accused’s class when he allegedly attempted to stab a girl in 2024. The incident is mentioned in the accused’s manifesto, which was published on telegram ahead of an alleged attempted bomb attack at Ballito Junction in March.

The Creative Class Room headmaster Dean Grobler said the school has been advised not to comment while investigations are ongoing.