Grudge behind fatal school stabbing?

CASSIM Shabane, the 17-year-old schoolboy who has been allegedly killed by his friend this week, might have been stabbed over an unresolved argument.

Shabane was stabbed inside his school’s premises in Verulam on Thursday. The two pupils allegedly had an argument over a lighter.

Shabane’s friends believe the fight might have been a result of an old grudge.

The suspect allegedly stole soccer boots from the deceased and his friends, which they found in the suspect’s home. This happened last year.

“We finished our soccer practice late that day and we were walking when they attacked us and took our soccer boots.

“Shabane recognised one voice, which was the suspect’s voice, and he confronted him, but he denied it.

“We then went to his house and to our surprise found our boots, he apologised and we all moved on from that, but clearly the suspect had not moved on,” said one of the friends.

Shabane’s brother, Thokozani Mdladla, is still in disbelief over what happened.

He said his brother was not the type to even harm a fly, because that was just how kind he was.

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that a 15-year-old pupil was arrested and charged with murder soon after the incident was reported.

However, the suspect was released following a court appearance on Friday.

“During the fight, a 17-year-old pupil was stabbed on the left side of the chest. He was taken to a local clinic, where he was declared dead upon arrival.

“A case of murder is being investigated by Verulam SAPS.”

The suspect appeared in the Verulam Magistrates’ Court and the matter was adjourned until April.

He was released into his parents’ custody.

The Department of Education was yet to respond to questions on interventions made by the government with regards to the increase in violence at schools.