Pupils at historic school linked to mob slaying

HUNDREDS of boarding pupils at the historic Blythswood High School in Ngqamakhwe were sent home on Friday after a group of them allegedly attacked and killed a youth they believed had mugged some of their peers.

Ngqamakhwe residents, who believe the learners killed an innocent man, are now demanding the learners are held to account.

Police have confirmed that they are investigating a case of murder after a young man, 25, was attacked and killed. The gruesome incident happened on Friday.

Butterworth police spokesman, Captain Jackson Manatha yesterday confirmed the incident saying the victim was chopping wood when he was attacked.

“We can confirm that a man who was cutting wood near the school was attacked and killed, allegedly by a group of pupils from this school. At this stage we don’t know the motive for the murder,” said Manatha.

He said the slaying had outraged a number of residents.

“The angry community members went to the school but there was a swift response from police, who arrived in time to rescue the situation.

“Pupils have since been removed by their parents from the school,” said Manatha.

Apparently, pupils have been victims of muggings a number of times on the way back from Ngqamakhwe CBD back to school.

This was according to some learners but Manatha had no recollection of any such incidents being reported to the police.

“I can’t deny that pupils are being robbed and mugged, but I haven’t heard of any complaints,” said Manatha.

There have been no arrests so far, he added.

The Dispatch understands that there is a meeting planned between the residents, teachers and learners, with police expected to monitor it for peace and stability.

By the time of writing yesterday, it was not yet clear when the learners would return to school.

Numerous attempts to get comment from the school and the education department were unsuccessful by deadline yesterday.

● Butterworth police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after an accident on the notorious Kei Cuttings between Kei Bridge and Butterworth left two men fatally wounded on Saturday.

Manatha said one victim, a youth of 21, was identified while the other is yet to be identified. “Both deceased were in a bakkie. A third male occupant from the bakkie was seriously injured and rushed to Butterworth hospital,” said Manatha.

● An Eastern Cape man, 27, has been arrested and accused of killing a 20-year-old youth whom he accused of proposing love to his girlfriend.

This incident happened in Nkxankxashe village in Willowvale.

“It is alleged that [after accusing the deceased] the suspect drew a firearm and fatally wounded him. He was arrested by police,” said Manatha. —