Principals speak out after matrics stabbed at Alkantstrand
Philani Gumede's family were mourning his grandfather when they received news he had been murdered.
A DISTRAUGHT Principal and teachers of Ntongande High School visited the traumatised Gumede family to offer condolences.
Philani Gumede, Thobani Mkhize (18) of Hluma High School and Bongumusa Mathenjwa (18) from Langalibomvu High School, were murdered at about 3am at an after party at the Bay Hall, Alkantstrand.
‘This is a terrible time for the family. They were still in mourning for uMkhulu and Philani had left for the party without telling them. This is tragic because he was a very good and down-to-earth pupil with a bright future,’ said Ntongande Principal, T Mnqayi.
The Principal discouraged pupils from attending such parties that had no adult or police supervision.
‘We are not only teachers, but also parents. We do not approve of such events. We want pupils who leave school to start a career and positively impact the community. Now, we are losing youngsters every holiday through such events,’ Mnqayi said.
Grieving
A grieving Mkhize family at the Bhejane Traditional Authority in Mathunzi could not contain their emotions.
‘His granny said Thobani spoke about a party and they advised him not to attend,’ Hluma High School Principal EB Zulu told the Zululand Observer.
‘All staff members visited the family today to comfort them. We are very upset. Thobani was a brilliant child who was going to pass for sure. It is always better when pupils are supervised by teachers. The SAP should have been informed. This function was organised privately and not by the school,’ Zulu said.
The third matriculant, Bongumusa Mathenjwa of KwaSokhulu, was described as a kind and well-loved person by his peers.
On Monday afternoon, Head of the Education Department, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, visited the families of the three pupils and the respective schools.
No arrests have been made to date.
