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Outrage over pupil stabbing

SUPPORT: Provincial education MEC Ina Cronjé visits Zama Buthelezi whose brother Nhlanhla was stabbed at school. 30/03/09. © Sowetan.
SUPPORT: Provincial education MEC Ina Cronjé visits Zama Buthelezi whose brother Nhlanhla was stabbed at school. 30/03/09. © Sowetan.

Mary Papayya

Mary Papayya

The two cousins wanted in connection with the stabbing of a 17-year-old Pietermaritzburg schoolboy yesterday fled the area.

Nhlanhla Buthelezi was allegedly killed by two knife wielding attackers - one aged 17 and a fellow schoolmate, and another aged 19, a former pupil at the Amakholwa High School in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg.

The attack took place during the first break on Monday.

Witnesses told police that the brazen attackers entered the school through a hole in the fence. Brandishing their knives they approached Nhlanhla and stabbed him three times.

"This was a well planned and premeditated attack," said police spokesperson Joey Jeevan.

According to Jeevan, local detectives went to the homes of the suspects twice since the murder but they are no where to be found.

Eye-witnesses said Nhlanhla was allegedly asked to deliver a message to one of the cousins from a local drug dealer.

Provincial Education MEC Ina Cronjé has condemned the attack. She visited the family shortly after Nhlanhla was killed. She also sent psychologists to the school to provide trauma debriefing to pupils and teachers.

Neighbours and friends visited the family to show their support. Nhlanhla's foster mother Thoko Buthelezi said the family was still in shock.

Department Superintendent-General Cassius Lubisi said: "This is a tragic incident indeed. We received the news with immense shock and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family."

Yesterday the community expressed outrage over the senseless killing. Concern came from several quarters questioning the lack of proper security at the school.

Community leader Reverend Silver Mkhize said four years ago the issue of security was discussed at the school. "A resolution was submitted to the school to improve matters."

He said the issue of drugs was known for a long time. "This problem should have been handled by the school a long time ago."

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