Stabbed eMbalenhle learner is fighting for his life in hospital
Fellow-learner, Sibusiso Mkhonza (19) has appeared in court on a charge of attempted murder.
A learner from Ikusasalethu Comprehensive School in eMbalenhle is still fighting for his life in the Ermelo Hospital after a fellow learner (19) allegedly stabbed him at the school on June 2.
According to eMbalenhle police spokesperson Sergeant Busi Mthethwa, police have arrested the alleged attacker and charged him with attempted murder.
Mthethwa said Nathi Simelane (18) was talking to a girl in his classroom during break time when another learner approached him, and allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him multiple times on both sides of his neck.
Nathi collapsed and lost consciousness.
He was rushed to the eMbalenhle Extension 4 Clinic, where medical personnel assessed his injuries. A nurse informed police that Nathi had sustained numerous severe open stab wounds.
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He was later taken to Evander Hospital before being transferred to Ermelo Provincial Hospital. His condition is critical.
Nathi’s uncle, Lucky Ngwenya, said the family was devastated when they received the news.
“We were shocked. When I arrived at the school, I was told he had already been taken to the clinic. By the time I got there, he had been transferred to Evander Hospital and later to Ermelo Hospital because his condition was critical.
“Our child is now fighting for his life. I saw his wounds. He was stabbed about 16 times in the neck. It is even difficult to hear him speak,” said Ngwenya.
Ngwenya described Nathi as a disciplined and reserved learner.
“We know Nathi as a well-behaved child. He does not get involved in fights, nor does he spend much time with friends.
“When Nathi is not at school, he is usually at home playing video games,” said Ngwenya.
The chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB), Nonhlanhla Mthimunye, met with the parents of both learners following the incident.
“We appreciated that the suspect’s parent handed him over to the police after he fled the scene. This demonstrates respect for both the school and the law,” said Mthimunye.
She said they are still trying to establish how the knife entered the school premises.
“Our security officer searches learners when they enter the school. However, we have challenges with the school fence, which has holes created by learners who sometimes leave the premises without permission.
“We suspect the weapon may have been brought in through one of those openings, but that will form part of the police investigation,” she said.
Mthimunye also expressed concern about low parental participation in school affairs.
“Our school has about 2 000 learners, but only around half of the parents attend meetings.
“Some parents even leave before meetings are concluded, despite discussions focusing on issues affecting their children’s education and well-being.
“In building a better future for our children, it needs us as parents to lead by example.
“We appeal to parents to work with the school to ensure that learners do not bring weapons onto school premises,” said Mthimunye.
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Mthimunye added that the SGB will soon convene an urgent meeting to strengthen school safety measures.
The incident occurred just days after a meeting between Grade 11 and Grade 12 parents and teachers on May 31, during which educators raised concerns about learner behaviour.
Teachers reportedly warned about learners bringing weapons to school, skipping classes, and allegedly robbing unsuspecting community members passing near the school.
The 19-year-old Sibusiso Mkhonza has since appeared in the Evander Magistrate’s Court on a charge of attempted murder. He was remanded in custody.
The Department of Education in Mpumalanga has yet to respond.
