Cape Town – The Mpumalanga Department of Education has confirmed the tragic passing of a 19-year-old Grade 11 learner at LD Moetanalo Secondary School in the Steve Tshwete municipality.
The learner was allegedly fatally stabbed by a fellow pupil on the school premises while learners were changing classes on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
In a statement, the department said, “Preliminary information indicates that an altercation ensued between the two learners, which tragically culminated in the victim being stabbed in the back.” Paramedics who were called to the scene certified the learner deceased, and the school immediately notified the parents and reported the matter to the South African Police Service.
The statement added, “The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident and are pursuing the suspect, who is also a learner at the school and allegedly fled the scene following the incident.”
MEC FOR EDUCATION, MS. LINDI MASINA TO VISIT LD MOETANALO SECONDARY SCHOOL FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC PASSING OF A LEARNER
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has learned with shock and sadness of the tragic passing of a 19-year-old Grade 11 learner at LD Moetanalo Secondary… pic.twitter.com/alFgdS41mm
— Mpumalanga Provincial Government (@MpumalangaGov) January 21, 2026
The department strongly condemned the attack, noting, “Acts of violence within school premises pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of learners, educators, and non-teaching staff, and undermine the constitutional right to education.”
Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Ms Lindi Masina, is scheduled to visit the school and the bereaved family to pay her respects and receive a full report on the incident. “Officials from the Inclusive Education and Wellness Unit will provide psychosocial support to learners, staff, and all those affected,” the department said.
The department concluded with condolences to the family and school community: “The Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the entire school community during this difficult period. May His Soul Rest in Peace!”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
