The family of a learner who was stabbed and killed outside the Oakdale secondary school in Ennerdale, south of Joburg yesterday says they cannot afford to bury him. Siyanda Malinga (14) was stabbed when a fight broke out among learners from different schools in the area.

Siyanda's aunt and neighbour Jabulile Shabalala said that his murder shocked them especially because he was a respectful and joyful child. "Siyanda was a respectful child who was very reliable as a young man. It came as a shock to us to learn that he was stabbed while embroiled in a fight at school. His father and his siblings are distraught especially that Siyanda's mother passed away in October last year," Shabalala said. She pleaded with the Department of Basic Education in the province to assist the family with burial expenses. "We are also grateful that the teachers tried their best to save him as one of the teachers used his car to transport him to a nearby clinic. The family cannot afford to bury him and we are pleading for help," she said. Another Grade 10 learner who was also involved in the stabbing incident, is currently in hospital receiving medical attention.

MEC for Education in Gauteng Matome Chiloane said the learner was allegedly stabbed before the start of classes outside the school premises. There are also allegations of the fight and stabbing incident being influenced by prevalent gangsterism among learners from different schools in the area. "It is with great sadness that we confirm a stabbing incident which took place in a school, and claimed the life of one of our learners, whilst injuring another. No child must ever be harmed, especially in our school environment. As such, we call upon our law enforcement agencies to ensure justice prevails. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased learner, as well as the learner who is currently recovering in hospital," he said. The Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said they have dispatched their Psycho-Social Support Unit to the school yesterday to provide counselling to those who witnessed the traumatic incident. The MEC visited the school and the family this morning to convey his condolences. Gauteng Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident. "An 18-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with murder. He is expected to appear before Lenasia Magistrate's Court on Monday, 12 February 2024. More suspects might be arrested as police investigation is continuing," he said.