Investigation Launched into Masibambisane School Stabbing

Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore has reacted with shock and anger after a young man was stabbed to death when five alleged gang members invaded the school premises and robbed learners of valuables.

MEC Dugmore will visit the Masibambisane High School tomorrow (Friday, 25 January) from 07h30, to meet with the principal and staff, as well as members of the School Governing Body and Representative Council of Learner leaders.

The SA Police Service has confirmed an incident yesterday involving five males who entered the Masibambisane High School grounds at about 11h00 (in Delft South). One of the men (20-years-old) robbed a 15-year-old grade 9 learner of his cellular telephone and stabbed him in the back.

The learner claims that he took a knife from one of his assailants and stabbed his attacker five times in self-defence. He died in a nearby clinic as a result of his injuries. The deceased young man was a former learner at the school. The stolen cellular telephone was found in his possession, said the police.

The 15-year-old learners was taken to a local hospital and held by police on a charge of murder. According to the SAPS the charge was however withdrawn this morning as it was found that he acted in self-defence. The police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Said MEC Dugmore: "I am deeply shocked and angered at the invasion and subsequent stabbing yesterday at the school. This is a direct attack on learning and teaching in the Western Cape.

"We will not be deterred in our efforts to provide a safe learning environment for all our learners and teachers. Clearly an immediate intervention is needed to stabilize the situation. I have asked for a full report from the department by this evening, and will be visiting the school early in the morning."

Meanwhile, officials of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has launched a full investigation, led by the District Director of the WCED's Metropole North District, Barry Volschenk.

According to initial reports, the gang members scaled the fence at the school and chased a Grade 9 learner. A full team from the district office will also provide special support as required, including trauma counseling for learners and teachers.

Enquiries:

Paddy Attwell
Email: pattwell@pgwc.gov.za

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Cell: 082 550 3938
Fax: 021 425 5689
Email: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

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