Learners killed in KwaMakhutha
Educators are calling on parents to talk to their children and search their school bags to help curb violence in schools.
TWO fatal stabbing incidents at two KwaMakhutha learning institutions have left the community shaken.
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In the first incident, a 28-year-old man who stabbed and killed his ex-girlfriend at the KwaMakhutha campus of Coastal KZN TVET College recently appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court.
It is alleged that Phumlani Dube (28), a minibus taxi conductor, walked past security guards at the institution on October 31 and stabbed Nothando Mnyandu (27), the mother of his child, who had ended their relationship. Mnyandu was a final-year student in civil engineering.
After allegedly stabbing her in full view of other students and security guards, Dube was caught by bystanders as he tried to flee on foot and was handed to the police. After his appearance on November 18, the case was postponed to December 12 to allow for further investigation. Dube has been remanded into custody until his next appearance.
In the second incident which happened on November 15, Siyamthanda Cele (17) was stabbed and killed by another learner at KwaMakhutha High School. It is alleged that the late Siyamthanda and the other learner had an ongoing dispute. The stabbing incident is said to have happened in full view of other learners and teachers. He sustained at least five stab wounds.
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Siyamthanda’s sister, Noxolo Gcwensa, said her brother’s death had crushed the family and they were battling to come to terms with it.
“We were told that our brother and the boy who stabbed him were enemies because they had fought earlier this year and the perpetrator never stopped threatening him. We hear he told him that on the last day of the examinations he would die, and that is what happened,” said Noxolo.
The late Siyamthanda was described as a quiet child who never spoke much. It was only after his death that his family came to know of the fight he had earlier this year with the other boy.
“We thought he was going to go far in life because he was the most talented of all of us,” she said.
KZN Department of Education spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, said it was always disturbing when learners attacked other learners.
“This year alone we have had 10 incidents of this nature. We urge parents to talk to their children, listen to them if they’ve got issues and check their bags to see what they are taking to school. As a department we can’t win this fight alone. We need their help,” said Mahlambi.
Siyamthanda was laid to rest on November 24.
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