MEC Lesufi condemns stabbing, death of Grade 8 learner

A Grade 8 learner at a school in Alex has been stabbed to death, allegedly by a fellow learner, on August 30.

According to a statement by the Gauteng Department of Education, the incident is alleged to have occurred around midday while the Pholosho Secondary School’s disciplinary committee was attending to a fight that involved three other learners. In the midst of that intervention, it was reported that a learner was allegedly stabbed to death by another learner outside a classroom.

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“Accordingly, emergency services were immediately contacted to attend the scene, however, the learner was certified dead upon their arrival,” read the statement.

Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi said he strongly condemned the stabbing of the Grade 8 learner. “We vehemently condemn the violent behaviour which led to the death of a learner, allegedly at the expense of his peer on school grounds, it is absolutely unacceptable. The SGB must investigate this incident and take necessary disciplinary action against the perpetrator,” Lesufi said.

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The statement concluded, “Our psychosocial team will support the school, family and all affected. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family of the learner. MEC Lesufi will tomorrow, 31 August, visit the school and the family of the learner at 12:30.”

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The Alex News team has contacted the police for comment. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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