Dinah Tshabalala and her family shared the joy of a new member to the family when she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Monday. But, the excitement was short-lived when she was told that her eldest son had been stabbed to death the same day.
Thabo Tshabalala (14), died at the hands of a classmate, who was also his best friend – both Grade 6 pupils at Bula Dikgoro Primary School in Mamelodi East, Extension 5.
The family said they had been informed that Thabo got into an argument with his friend and was stabbed three times in the upper body. He died in class. The killing happened in full view of other pupils, who were left traumatised.
Paramedics were called but arrived too late to save Tshabalala’s life. Police were also called to the scene.
Now Tshabalala’s family demand justice. His uncle, Andries Tshabalala, said: “Thabo was like a son to me and to hear the news that he is no more, after he was stabbed at a place where he was supposed to be safe, was devastating. Someone must answer to what had happened.”
He described Tshabalala as a loving and obedient boy who preferred spending most of his time with his younger brother Willy, and enjoyed playing soccer with his friends.
Police spokesperson Captain Doniah Mothutlane said a case of murder had been opened by Mamelodi East police and investigations were continuing. “A 14-year-old pupil was arrested and placed in a place of safety.”
Ward 16 councillor Johannah Matentjie said: “This is very sad and disturbing news for all of us. We send our condolences to the family. We need to beef up our security at schools. The community policing forum (CPF) needs to be given the right tools to search pupils,” said Matentjie.
Matentjie said teachers, parents, police, CPF members and ward councillors should collaborate to ensure safety at schools.
“We need prayers, we cannot do this by ourselves,”
Gauteng education department spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane said: “We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Tshabalala, educators and fellow pupils. The department sadly received reports of an incident in which a Grade 6 learner was allegedly stabbed to death by another pupil at Bula Dikgoro Primary School on Monday during school hours.”
Sekhonyane said the department was busy with its own investigation. “Counselling and trauma debriefing will be provided by the department’s social support and pastoral care units to the family and pupils at the affected school.”
Thabo Tshabalala will be buried at Hetherly Cemetery on Saturday at 10:00. The procession will start at Mahube Extension 10, House no 29727 from 07:00. He leaves behind his mother Dinah, elder sister Annah (17), younger brother Willy (9), and his new-born baby sister.
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