eSikhaleni learner found guilty of murder

A KNIFE-wielding learner who stabbed two pupils, one fatally, during a school break at Ikhandlela Secondary School in eSikhaleni earlier this year, was found guilty of murder at eSikhawini Magistrate’s Court of Friday.

Sphamandla Mngomezulu (19) fatally stabbed Nqobani Ntuli (19) and injured Sanele Hlatshwayo (18) inside the boy’s toilet after a serious dispute over a school girl’s stolen cellphone.

According to witnesses a fight had broken out between two boys’ groups in the morning of the fatal incident and police were called to calm the situation.

Witnesses said the dispute intensified and continued during break time, when Sphamandla stabbed both victims.

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Nqobani died minutes after the knife was plunged into his chest, while Sanele was taken to Thokozani Clinic and later transferred to Ngwelezana Hospital with serious wounds.

The perpetrator was arrested by eSikhawini Police at at Ntenga Cottages in uMkhobose Reserve within 30 minutes and placed in custody for the duration of the trial.
He was charged with one count of murder and one of attempted murder.
Sphamandla will be sentenced after the court has received reports from social workers and from the prison.

The community has been part of the trial since the fatal incident and expressed their appreciation to officials who were part of the arrest and prosecution.

Throughout the trial, community members had voiced their views on the safety of pupils in schools.

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A committee which included parents, teachers and community members, was formed to ensure the safety of all learners.

In the forefront of the forum was Ward 21 ANC Youth League chairperson, Sbongiseni Masondo, who said the committee would be responsible for random searches and other safety measures.