Grade 11 learner stabbed to death outside school — fellow pupil arrested

Pretoria – A Grade 11 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in Lethabong, an informal settlement in Donkerhoek, was fatally stabbed on Tuesday afternoon in a tragic act of violence that has shocked the school community and prompted a swift response from the Gauteng Department of Education.

According to preliminary reports, the stabbing occurred just outside the school premises after classes had ended. The alleged perpetrator, a Grade 12 learner from the same school who had not attended school that day, reportedly arrived as pupils were boarding their scholar transport. He then allegedly attacked the Grade 11 learner with a knife.

The injured learner was rushed to the nearby Lethabong Healthcare Clinic but was declared dead on arrival.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and details surrounding the motive and circumstances are still under investigation.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep sorrow and condemned the attack, calling it a “senseless act of violence”.

“We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. No child should ever lose their life in the pursuit of education. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the school community during this incredibly painful time,” said Chiloane.

In response to the incident, the Department has deployed a team of psychologists and members of its School Safety Unit to the school to provide trauma counselling to affected learners and staff. The Department also plans to strengthen safety measures at Lesedi Secondary.

Chiloane further urged learners to understand the long-term consequences of violence, warning that such actions not only remove one from the classroom but could also lead to criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

“Our schools must remain spaces of learning, safety, and hope — not breeding grounds for brutality and violence,” he said.

“Learners must understand that violence has life-altering consequences. Such actions will not only remove you from the classroom, but may ultimately place you behind bars.”

The Gauteng Department of Education has called for calm as authorities continue their investigation.

Compiled by Betha Madhomu