Mother of slain eMbalenhle learner speaks out after visiting scene for first time
She recalled the harrowing moment she received a call to rush to the clinic, where she found her son’s lifeless body.
Horisang Madikgetla, mother of the late Kevin, recently visited the scene of her son’s stabbing for the first time since his tragic death earlier this year.
Kevin, a Grade 12 learner at Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School, was allegedly stabbed by Innocent Sopoli, a 19-year-old Grade 10 learner, on February 27, just outside the school premises.
He later succumbed to his injuries at the Ext 4 Clinic in eMbalenhle.
Sopoli has since been arrested and charged with premeditated murder. However, he was released on R2 000 bail by the Evander Magistrate’s Court under the condition that he relocate outside the Govan Mbeki Municipal jurisdiction until his case is finalised.
Speaking during a balloon send-off memorial she organised to begin her healing process, Madikgetla expressed her deep pain and outrage at the justice system’s handling of the case.
“As a family, we are still questioning how the court could grant Sopoli bail after taking my son’s life. I feel the Justice Department, SAPS, and the Department of Education failed me. They allowed Sopoli to continue learning at another school without even stating the reason for his transfer,” she said.
“I feel sorry for the teachers and learners at that school, as they don’t know what happened.”
Madikgetla, who is also an educator, believes systemic failures played a role in her son’s death. She accuses the Department of Education of neglect, pointing to the lack of classroom furniture and overcrowded conditions at Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School.
“Kevin always complained about overcrowding. If he arrived late, he had to stand the entire day, which affected his ability to concentrate. I made sure he left early every day to get a desk. But in the end, my son lost his life because of a school desk.
“If there were enough desks, Kevin would still be alive today,” said Madikgetla.
She recalled the harrowing moment she received a call to rush to the clinic, where she found her son’s lifeless body.
“I blamed myself for not being there, for not being able to save him. The post-mortem report said Kevin was stabbed three times in the chest. It shows the intent was to kill,” she said.
Although being at the scene brought some closure, she still avoids passing by the clinic where her son died. Another concern for Madikgetla is the alleged accomplice – reportedly another learner – allegedly brought the murder weapon to school.
“The police told me he ran away, but it’s been almost three months. Why hasn’t he been arrested? My son’s life seems not to matter to them,” Madikgetla said.
Despite her grief, Madikgetla has now turned her pain into advocacy.
“I’m calling for greater safety in our schools. After Kevin’s death, I heard the Department of Education finally delivered 100 desks to the school. Why did a child have to die first?” she asked.
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