Brutal murder of Grade 1 pupil condemned

North West Education MEC Jonas Sello Lehari said parents, teachers and government need to work together to tackle safety in schools.

Lehari was commenting during a visit to a primary school yesterday where a Grade 1 pupil was stabbed to death on Wednesday.

According to the education department’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga, the pupil was killed at Dikeledi Makapan Primary School.

The pupil was stabbed several times, allegedly by a Grade 11 pupil from Mankala Technical High School.

“It is alleged that the suspect apparently slept in the toilet overnight without anyone knowing he was there. The deceased was one of the first to go to the toilet in the morning and the Grade 11 pupil allegedly repeatedly stabbed him. He was rushed to the local clinic where he was sadly certified dead.”

He said the principal of the school apprehended the alleged perpetrator and handed him over to the police.

“It appears the suspect knew the deceased, and it is alleged that he was in a romantic relationship with the Grade 1 learner’s older sister. It is believed the couple may have had a fallout and the alleged perpetrator targeted the younger brother. However police will conduct a full investigation,” he said.

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said the party was devastated by the murder

“The ACDP joins the Minister of Basic Education in sending heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.”

. | African News Agency (ANA)