A 17-year-old learner was arrested on Thursday in connection with the murder of his fellow learner after his family handed him over to the police.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba alleged that  the two grade 11 boys had a heated argument while at a local tuckshop in Galakwena village around 8pm.

"It is alleged that the suspect pulled out a sharp object and stabbed the victim on the upper body and fled the scene. The victim was rushed to a local hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to injuries on arrival,"said Ledwaba. 

Ledwaba added that the deceased was identified as Eliya Phago, aged 17 and was a grade 11 learner at Rakodubana High School, in Bokwidi Village. The police were informed and manhunt was immediately activated.

"On Thursday, the suspect was handed to the police by his family and he was then arrested. The probation officer was engaged in the process,"explained Ledwaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident and further pointed out that bullying at school or anywhere is absolutely unacceptable. "Learners should learn to resolve their disagreements amicably without resorting to violences," said Hadebe.The police investigations are still continuing. The suspect will make his first court appearance at Mahwelereng Magistrate?s Court on Tuesday.