A 19-year-old learner at Rustenburg Technical School appeared in court on charges of murder after he allegedly stabbed a fellow learner to death. A grade 11 learner, Lethabo Sibanda (18) was stabbed with a sharp object on his throat and he was declared dead on the scene. The incident took place at a bus stop in Rustenburg, North West, on Friday.

GANG FIGHTS

It’s alleged that the suspect Blessing Tladi, and his group of friends got into a fight with Sibanda’s group at a bus stop in Rustenburg, North West. Sibanda was stabbed to death while another learner was also got stabbed and was rushed to a local hospital, where he is being treated for stab wounds. The North West Department of Education is still also shocked by the incident. 

SUSPECT ARRESTED

MEC for Education Viola Motsumi confirmed the incident and said that he was saddened by this incident, especially by the manner in which the life of a young man was lost after school hours. "Learners must refrain from any acts of violence and misconduct in and outside the school environment. Since this type of action is a criminal offence and will need to be dealt with harshly by the police." We call upon parents and guardians to join hands with the police and educators to ensure that schools remain a safe environment at all times", concluded Motsumi.

Motsumi visited the family of the deceased learner to convey her message of condolences in Tsitsing village. The matter is currently under police investigation. Tladi was arrested and charged with Lethabo’s murder. He appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates Court yesterday and his case was postponed to 12 June for a formal bail application.