Scholar violence broke out in the Wembezi area yesterday (October 29), resulting in a fatal stabbing and a vicious assault in retaliation.

It is alleged that learners from two schools, Khandimfundo High School and Wembezi High School, were involved in a fight that culminated in one learner stabbing another. Angry community members then assaulted the alleged suspect.

According to SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan, the suspect is currently in hospital following the assault.

Khan commented that, “A 20-year-old suspect, who is a scholar, is in hospital under police guard. It is alleged that he stabbed a 19-year-old learner from another school.

“The learner (who was stabbed) was pronounced dead on arrival at a local clinic. A group from the community then allegedly assaulted the suspect badly. A murder case has been registered at Wembezi SAPS. The deceased has not yet been identified.” 

African Renaissance Unity (ARU) condemns school violence

Following the incident, the ARU Party issued a statement calling for calm:

“The ARU, through its uThukela regional leadership, strongly condemns the reported violence involving learners from Khandimfundo High School and Wembezi High School in Wembezi, which has resulted in the tragic loss of life.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, relatives, friends, educators and communities affected by the death of the learner. No parent should have to bury a child because of school-related violence. Our thoughts are with everyone grieving during this painful time.

“Schools must be places of learning, safety, discipline and hope – not environments where learners fear for their lives. The loss of even one learner is a tragedy that demands urgent attention, accountability and meaningful intervention.

Call for calm, unity and community responsibility

“The ARU urgently appeals to the communities of Wembezi – including learners, parents, traditional leaders, community organisations and all other stakeholders – to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

“We call upon all community members to work together to restore peace, promote mutual respect and prevent further violence. No disagreement, rivalry or conflict should ever justify the taking of another person’s life.

“We further appeal to learners to resolve their differences peacefully and to understand that violence can destroy their education, their families and their future.

“Our message is clear: Let us protect our children, unite our communities and put an end to school violence.

Urgent intervention needed by Department of Education and SAPS

“The ARU calls on the Department of Education, the South African Police Service (SAPS), school governing bodies, school management teams, parents and community representatives to urgently come together and develop a co-ordinated response to the violence affecting our schools.

“We request the following interventions:

• Strengthen school safety: Conduct appropriate and lawful safety assessments; and introduce effective measures to prevent weapons and dangerous substances from entering school premises.

• Improve security and policing: The SAPS should investigate incidents of violence, enforce the law fairly and work with schools to prevent further attacks.

• Strengthen school governing bodies: School governing bodies and school management teams must work with parents and authorities to develop and enforce effective school safety policies.

• Promote early intervention: Establish clear reporting systems for threats, bullying, intimidation, fights and disputes before they escalate into serious violence.

• Provide trauma support: Ensure that learners, teachers and families affected by these incidents receive appropriate counselling and psycho-social support.

• Promote accountability: Anyone suspected of committing a criminal offence must be dealt with through lawful procedures, while the rights and safety of all learners are protected.

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