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Pupil stabbed to death in matric classroom

sends condolences: MEC Mandla Makupula
sends condolences: MEC Mandla Makupula

A QUARREL over a girl ended in tragedy when an Eastern Cape matriculant was stabbed to death inside a classroom.

Another matriculant has since been arrested for the killing. The stabbing took place at Abambo Senior Secondary School in Mceula village near Whittlesea on Tuesday.

Following the stabbing, the Grade 12 pupils were moved to another classroom to complete their their final English exam.

The Eastern Cape education department said yesterday the two pupils had quarrelled earlier and brought the fight to school.

It is alleged that the deceased, 20-year-old Nathi Mbindela, pulled out a panga in the exam room and approached classmate Athenkosi Tyutu, 21. Tyutu allegedly retaliated, stabbing Mbindela in the head. He died on the scene.

Police arrived at the school and arrested Tyutu, who appeared in the Whittlesea Magistrate's Court yesterday on charges of murder and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Bongani Mbindela said they were shocked to receive a phone call that Mbindela had been killed.

He said school teachers had been warned about the tiff.

"Why did teachers not keep a close eye on the boys if they were alerted that they wanted to kill each other," asked the uncle.

The department said the murder delayed the final examination by one hour, but that time was compensated to pupils.

Education spokesman Mali Mtima said the department was saddened by Mbindela's death.

"The incident happened at about 8.45am before commencement of exams whilst invigilators were busy with pre-stage processes.

"It is alleged that the 20-year-old passed on after being stabbed to death by another candidate at the exam room," said Mtima.

He said the department had sourced local social workers to ensure that matriculants, who witnessed the stabbing, received counselling before writing.

Education MEC Mandla Makupula sent his condolences to the Mbindela family.

"For the first time in the history of this department and province, we are mourning a Grade 12 learner who died so tragically while at the verge of finishing his studies."

Chairman of the school governing body Mkhuseli Ndlovu called on the department to assist the school with a security guard, alleging that pupils brought drugs and weapons to the school on a daily basis.

 

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