Pupil relives school murder
Learner stabbed in front of teachers
A Limpopo pupil who witnessed the killing of his longtime friend on school grounds has told of his horror trying to save his schoolmate.
Thabang Mashiane, 18, died on Wednesday after he was allegedly stabbed by fellow pupil Lehutso Mapholo at Solomon Mahlangu High School in Phomolong, Modimolle.
Mapholo, 19, a Grade 11 pupil at the school, appeared in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on a murder charge yesterday.
Mashiane, a sports fanatic who would have turned 19 in November, was set to travel to Dubai to take part in a marathon on October 19, according to his cousin Lovely Moatshe.
“We used to train together and now I’m left alone. Thabang’s passing has left a void in my life,” Moatshe said.
Mashiane’s friend Kleinboy Kekana said he tried in vain to resuscitate his friend who was bleeding profusely after being stabbed in the stomach.
“Thabang had lost a lot of blood and I tried unsuccessfully to stop the bleeding until he lost consciousness and died in front of me,” said Kekana, a 19year-old Grade 10 pupil .
He said the two pupils had argued over a game of dice earlier. The two were apparently called to the school’s office where Mapholo allegedly took out a knife and stabbed Mashiane in front of teachers.
“We tried to use a T-shirt to stop the bleeding but it was too much,” he added.
Yesterday, Mashiane’s mother Paulina expressed anger at the manner in which her son died.
“My son died a horrible death, especially in front of teachers who were supposed to protect him,” said the 53year-old unemployed mother.
Mashiane’s twin brother Thabo said he would remember him for his love of sports and singing.
“He also liked cracking jokes and moments were never dull with him around. I now feel lonely after his death,” said Thabo, who is also in Grade 10 at the same school.
Provincial department of education spokesman Naledzani Rasila said yesterday that MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe had received “with sadness” news of the passing of Mashiane.
“The department sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and the whole school community ... acts of violence in schools are condemned in the strongest terms,” he said, adding that counselling would be provided for both pupils and teachers at the school.