Stabbed Mondeor learner laid to rest

SLAIN Mondeor High School pupil

Kulani Mathebula, pictured, was laid to rest in Limpopo yesterday.

Kulani, the grandchild of Tsonga music icon Thomas Chauke, was stabbed to death on Wednesday while walking to school.

Three teenagers, one aged 13 and two others aged 15, have been arrested for the 19-year-old murder.

Kulani’s attackers, who cannot be named because they are minors, were released into their parents’ custody.

They are expected to appear in court again on March 29.

Kulani’s body was found on the roadside by a passer-by, Rakesh Dhevalall, about a kilometre from his school, Sunday World reported yesterday.

Dhevalall told mourners at a memorial service held at the school on Friday that on the fateful morning, two cars had passed the teen before he stopped to help him.

“I thought that he was having a fit and I should help. I tried to comfort him but all I could do was to pray for him,” he was quoted saying.

Kulani’s death has raised concerns about issues of safety in schools.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said she was concerned about high levels of violence reported in schools and has expressed her confidence that the police will bring those responsible to justice.

“The holistic education of our learners is a societal matter and we, as communities, parents and guardians, must instil in our children the notion that violence is not the answer,” said Motshekga.

She urged communities to take back control of schools and their communities.