A grade 10 learner was stabbed to death by a fellow learner on Thursday in a suspected gang violence at the Dinokaneng Secondary school in Sebokeng in the Vaal. Another learner at the same school was stabbed and badly at the same school on Wednesday also by a fellow learner. The incidents are alleged to have occurred outside the school premises.
RETALIATION
Out of frustration caused by the incidents, community members protested blocking off roads and burned buses that passed their route on Friday. The department of education said it was not advisable to try to end violent incidents by inciting more violence. Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said although the incident of the grade 10 learner is alleged to have occurred after school outside the school premises, it was a concern that he was stabbed by a fellow learner. Mabona said that the violence is related to gangsterism in the area. He added that the learner was rushed to hospital but was certified dead upon arrival.
SUPPORT
MEC for education Matome Chiloane said their Psycho-Social Support team will be deployed to the school on Monday, to provide trauma support and counselling. These services will also be extended to the deceased learner's family. He expressed shock, disappointment, and concern. "We mourn the untimely death of one of our learners, indeed we are deeply hurt and concerned by the occurrence of gangsterism which shortens the lives of our learners and jeopardises their future. We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and school community at large,' said MEC Chiloane.
"We are deeply hurt by the occurrence of gangsterism which shortens the lives of our learners and jeopardises their future. MEC Chiloane will be visiting the school on Monday.
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