Mpumalanga education MEC condemns murder of a learner at eMbalenhle school
She called on parents and the community to play a role in keeping schools safe.
Mpumalanga Education MEC Cathy Dlamini strongly condemned the fatal stabbing at Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School.
A Grade 10 learner stabbed a Grade 12 learner, Kevin Madikgetla. The attack took place on February 27, and Madikgetla succumbed to his injuries at a local clinic.
Dlamini visited the school on March 3 to receive a preliminary report from the school management regarding the incident. She also met with teachers and assured them psychologists would provide counselling to staff and learners.
Later, the MEC visited Madikgetla’s family in Evander to offer her condolences.
“My arrival at the school was emotional. I could see the teachers were deeply disturbed by what had happened,” said Dlamini.
“From the information I received, the altercation between the two learners began two days before the fatal stabbing. However, the exact cause of their conflict remains unclear.”
Dlamini emphasised schools are supposed to be places of learning, not violence.
“Parents send their children to school to get an education, not to fight. That is why we provide them with books, not weapons. It is deeply concerning that a learner brought a knife onto school premises and used it to end a young learner’s life.
“Madikgetla was in Grade 12, with a promising future.”
She said that Madikgetla’s loss was not just a tragedy for his family but for the entire country.
“We do not know what Kevin could have become – a leader in his community, his province, or even the country. Education must uplift not just families, but also communities and the nation.”
Dlamini also acknowledged the growing concerns over school safety, stating teachers must take on roles beyond their training.
“Teachers must educate, not act as security officers. Unfortunately, they now have to ensure not only their students’ safety but their own as well.”
She called on parents and the community to play a role in keeping schools safe.
“Parents must ensure their children do not bring weapons to school. I understand learners get searched upon entering the premises, and there are allegations that the knife used in this incident was obtained from outside the school. We will leave the police to investigate further.”
Dlamini urged learners to focus on their studies and avoid involvement in activities that do not contribute to their future.
She was also concerned about the stabbing of a teacher at the same school two years ago.
“It is shocking to hear that not even teachers are not safe. I know it must be difficult for them to come to work, not knowing what might happen once they step inside the school gates. However, teachers know their learners well and often know when something is wrong.”
Dlamini reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working with communities to improve school safety and prevent further tragedies.
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