Fatal pupils stabbing: accused claims self-defence
THE State is not opposing 19-year-old Forest High School pupil Muhammad Mowela’s bail, as he was expected back in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday for the outcome of his application.
Mowela has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Daniel Bakwela, who was stabbed to death just outside the school’s premises in Turffontein on June 3.
Mowela appeared in court yesterday where affidavits compiled by him and the investigating officer were submitted.
In his affidavit, Mowela said he intended to plead not guilty, as he argued he had been approached by the Stouter Kinders gang members while he was at school to write two exams, when Daniel had dropped his knife after hitting him with a stone.
Mowela said he had picked up the knife and stabbed Daniel while trying to protect himself. He said his actions were in self defence.
Legal representative for Mowela, Mudi Mavhengani, said the teenager was dependent on his family, and being incarcerated would affect the Grade 11 pupil’s studies.
The investigating officer said he did not believe Mowela was a flight risk, despite having a family in Tanzania. The court yesterday also heard that Mowela going back into the community where Daniel was from would have an impact on his safety.
The investigating officer said he had spoken to the Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona and they had agreed that an arrangement would be made for Mowela to be transferred to another school for his safety.
Mabona said the department has consulted with the district.
“In this instance, the school will suspend the learner but he will be given an opportunity to write his examinations,” Mabona said while testifying.
Soon after the incident had happened, the deceased’s parents were at the scene, weeping hysterically – a few metres away from their son’s body.
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