SCHOOL break at Ikhandlela Secondary School in eSikhaleni turned into a terrifying, bloody murder scene when a knife-wielding Grade 11 learner stabbed a fellow learner to death and seriously wounded another following an ongoing dispute.
The life of Nqobani Ntuli (19) was brutally ended and Sanele Hlatshwayo (18) is still fighting for his life in hospital after Sphamandla Mngomezulu (19) reportedly attacked and stabbed them inside the school’s ablution block at around 11am.
According to information obtained by the ZO, the fatal incident occurred after the boys had a serious dispute over a schoolgirl’s stolen cellphone.
Witnesses revealed that a fight broke out between two groups on Tuesday and police had to be called in to calm the situation.
‘This all started on Tuesday, but the police came in and resolved the issue,’ a Grade 11 learner said.
‘But this morning (Wednesday) everything started again.
‘The fight continued during our break time and that’s when Sphamandla stabbed both guys with a knife.’
Nqobani died minutes after the knife was plunged into his chest, while Sanele was taken to Thokozani Clinic and later transferred to Ngwelezana Hospital.
‘Nqobani dragged himself to the front of the school and that’s where he died. Other pupils tried to help him, but it was too late,’ said another witness.
After the incident the suspect jumped the school fence and fled the scene.
However, police nabbed him at Ntenga Cottages in uMkhobose Reserve within 30 minutes and placed him in custody.
According to Empangeni SAPS Cluster spokesperson, Mbongeni Mdlalose, after collecting all statements, the suspect will be charged with murder and attempted murder.
He is likely to appear in the eSikhawini Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Friday) morning.
Department of Education representatives visited the school shortly after the incident, but a formal statement had not been released at the time of going to print.
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