Security bid as teen killed at beach

“PENS DOWN” parties have become athe norm for matrics as they bid farewell to their friends.

But the weekend’s celebrations ended in tragedy at Clifton 4th Beach when a 16-year-old boy was stabbed and killed.

According to ward 54 councillor Nicola Jowell, large numbers of matrics arrived at the beach on Saturday evening to celebrate the end of exams.

“At about 7.45pm a young man from Langa was fatally stabbed in the chest on Victoria Road, Clifton.

“He was assisted by medics at the Clifton Scout Hall, but he died,” Jowell said.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a case of murder has been opened following the incident.

Rwexana said that according to reports, law enforcement officers saw the victim with a stab wound on Saturday night.

He received medical attention but died on the scene due to his injuries.

“Police are following up on leads in order to bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

Novela Potelwa, spokesperson for the provincial police commissioner, said the police were aware that the calendar year for the 2019 matrics had come to an end.

“Plans have been developed in a number of police station hubs within the province where the matrics are expected to converge to celebrate the end of 12 years of schooling.

“The identified places include, among others, Plettenberg Bay (Matric Rage), Camps Bay, Wellington and numerous clubs,” she said.

Potelwa said joint control operations were already functional with all relevant roleplayers assembled for strategic and prompt response to incidents.

“In anticipation of scores of young people descending on the identified areas, planning meetings started early in the year.

“Vigilance and taking responsibility at all times is encouraged.”

Education MEC Debbie Schäfer said: “Matric candidates have worked very hard to get to this point in their lives, and while they deserve to celebrate, we appeal to them to do so responsibly.”

Provincial education department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the matric results would be released on January 7.

Matric revellers are urged to report any wrongdoing at end-of-year parties to the police or contact the Crime Stop number 086 001 0111.