A pupil at the Bersig Special School has died from head injuries after being involved in a fight with a fellow pupil, Eastern Cape police said yesterday.

A pupil at the Bersig Special School has died from head injuries after being involved in a fight with a fellow pupil, Eastern Cape police said yesterday.

Superintendent Priscilla Naidu said Arnold Ferndale, a boarder at the school, died at the Cuyler Hospital in Uitenhage last Thursday.

It is alleged that a teacher had sent the boys from a school workshop for making a noise.

"While standing outside the two boys played a game," Naidu said. "Another pupil told them to keep quiet and took a swipe at them with his jacket."

A fight ensued because the zip of the jacket had allegedly hurt one of the boys. The owner of the jacket slapped Ferndale with both hands.

Ferndale allegedly stumbled, fell backwards and lost consciousness. He was was rushed to hospital but never regained consciousness.

A pupil, aged 16, appeared in the Uitenhage magistrate's court on March 6 on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

"The charge will change at his next appearance in July," Naidu said. "It could become murder or culpable homicide. The court will decide."- Sapa