The North West Department of Education MEC, Dr Desbo Mohono, has expressed deep sadness and condemned the fatal stabbing of a Grade 10 learner from Ikatisong Secondary School in Letlhabile Township near Brits.
The Department received a report this morning that a 16 year old learner had allegedly been stabbed in Letlhabile Township. The learner was rushed to the local clinic where he was unfortunately declared deceased.
The school and district officials proceeded to the local clinic to establish the learner’s condition. Sadly, the learner had passed away following a stab wound to the neck.
Preliminary information received by the school indicates that the learner had allegedly been involved in disagreements with another learner since the previous week. It is further alleged that the two encountered each other in the township outside the school where the deceased was allegedly stabbed. Members of the community reportedly transported him to the local clinic, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
MEC Dr Desbo Mohono conveyed her deepest condolences to the learner’s family, friends, classmates, educators and the entire Ikatisong Secondary School community.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mokhele family during this painful time.
“Violence has no place in our schools or communities. We urge learners to resolve disagreements peacefully and to seek assistance from parents, educators or school management when faced with conflict or threats.
“We also call on the community to cooperate with law-enforcement authorities and provide any information that may assist in the investigation. We must work together to protect our children and prevent further loss of young lives,” said MEC Dr Mohono.
The Department will provide the necessary psychosocial support to the learners, educators and the families affected by the tragedy. The Department will continue to engage with the school and relevant stakeholders to seek intervention in challenges experienced by learners.
The Department appeals for calm and sensitivity as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the learner’s death continues.
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For more information please contact:
Ms Mercy Mokgatle | Media Liaison Officer | Cell: 060 980 7934
Dr Elias Malindi | Director: Communication Services | Cell: 072 115 4855 / 072 892 8399
