SCHOOLBOY violence has seen blood fatally spilled once again.
An after-school quarrel between two high school learners escalated to murder on Monday afternoon when one pupil stabbed a schoolmate to death outside Umphezeni High in eShowe.
Reports are that as pupils were leaving the school at 3.30pm an argument between the pair broke out just beyond the school gate.
According to police, the 17-year-old knife-wielding Grade 11 pupil plunged a knife into the 18-year-old Grade 12 victim’s chest, killing him instantly.
Police suspect the incident is related to ongoing faction fights in the area.
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‘We don’t know what started the deadly fight but it has been confirmed it had no relevance to school issues,’ said King Cetshwayo Police Cluster spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose.
The perpetrator was arrested by Mbongolwane SAPS and charged with murder and will appear at Inkanyezi Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (today).
District Department of Education Director, David Chonco said trauma counselling has been offered to assist pupils who witnessed the horror scene.
‘When we visited the school after the incident on Tuesday morning, most children were still in shock and could not even speak.
‘This is a difficult time for them as they are still writing their exams,’ said Chonco.
He also urged pupils to report any issues to their teachers or parents to avoid any further violence.
‘We have heard there are many issues in the area and at school but violence cannot be tolerated in our schools.
‘When pupils have problems they need to follow certain structures for these issues can be discussed and ironed out,’ he said.
Chonco pleaded with parents to work closely with the school to maintain discipline and ensure violent incidents between pupils can be avoided.
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