Second pupil murdered at Vereeniging school in 10 months

A dark cloud is hanging over Tharabollo Secondary School in Evaton, Vereeniging with the stabbing death of a pupil at the school, just over 10 months after another student suffered a similar fate. Both murders are believed to be connected to gangs in the area.

Grade 11 pupil Thabo Motaung (18) was stabbed to death last week Thursday, allegedly by an 18-year-old student from a nearby school. Sources close to the investigation believe that the murder is attributed to gang violence.

Sources who did not want to be named, allege that some learners at the school are associated with rival gangs operating from Orange Farm and Evaton West (Mkhelele).

Motaung’s murder follows an incident where learners from Tharabollo Secondary School reportedly visited Lakeside Secondary School. The two schools are situated just over 1km from each other.

It is alleged that Tharabollo learners forcibly entered the Lakeside school premises, damaging the school’s gates and windows in the process.

Lakeside learners then retaliated by going to the Tharabollo school grounds and Motaung was stabbed in the process.

He was rushed to the Sebokeng Hospital but succumbed to his injuries before he could reach medical help.

Police spokesperson Captain Teboho Lephoto said an 18-year-old suspect is currently behind bars in connection with the murder.

“At this stage, the motive is unknown, and further investigation will be conducted,” said Lephoto.

National Association of School Governing Bodies secretary Thabiso Radebe said they were saddened by the incident.

“The association sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and school for the untimely death of Motaung, a Grade 11 boy learner at Tharabollo Secondary School in the Sedibeng West district SW 8,” said Thabiso Radebe.

On July 21 last year Grade 10 student Thabo Xaba (20) was fatally stabbed, allegedly over a pair of earrings said to be affiliated with a certain gang.