Limpopo teen arrested for fatal stabbing of Gr 10 learner
Innocent Mchavi's (15) mother said her son's death has left her distraught and saddened and described him as a disciplined child.
LIMPOPO – A sombre mood was evident in the village of Mulamula near Dumela, and Photani Secondary School outside Malamulele last week after the death of a Gr 10 learner who was stabbed by another learner during a cultural event attended by learners from various schools.
The event was held at Mahlefunye Primary School’s sports ground near Photani Secondary School on February 29.
Rirhandzu Mthombeni, the mother of the victim, Innocent Mchavi (15) said her child’s death has left her distraught and saddened.
She described her son as a disciplined child who was a hard worker and who put his education first.
“It is disturbing to lose a child in such a brutal way. Innocent has died, and I can’t understand why. I also don’t know why there was an argument between the two boys.”
She said a delegation from the suspect’s family visited her last Sunday, asking for her forgiveness.
“For now, I did not say anything, because I am still heartbroken,” the mother told CV.
Justice Mashaba, the chairperson of the School Governing Body at Photani, said they are trying to cope with the situation.
“As a school, we are working with the family to ensure he receives a dignified funeral.”
The murder case against the 17-year-old suspect could not proceed in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court last Monday as police in Malamulele said investigations are still ongoing.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary reports show that on the day of the murder, an altercation broke out between the victim and suspect during a cultural event hosted by a secondary school in Mulamula village.
“During this confrontation, the suspect produced a knife and inflicted fatal wounds on Innocent, before fleeing the scene.
Despite immediate medical attention, Innocent tragically succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.”
Ledwaba said the motive behind the incident remains under investigation by police who are currently conducting further inquiries to establish the circumstances that led to the event.
Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya expressed her sadness at the event.
“As a department, we regret the incident and our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved family. I am pleading with parents and all interested parties to ensure that schools remain a conducive place for learning.”
Psycho-social support will also be offered to the school community in light of the event, Mthombeni added.
Innocent was buried in Mulamula village on Saturday. A memorial service was also held last Wednesday.
