PRETORIA – The family of 19-year-old Lethabo Mokonyane, who was fatally stabbed by fellow pupils, say they are devastated and broken by the tragic loss.
They believe schools have become dangerous environments where children are paying with their lives.
“Schools are supposed to be a safe haven for kids, but now they’ve become a mortuary for children,” says Lethabo’s aunt, Shirley Mokonyane.
Lethabo was stabbed on Tuesday just after completing his final Grade 11 exam. The attack happened outside the school premises.
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Mokonyane has called on the Department of Education to take urgent and decisive action against rising school violence and bullying, which she believes often leads to such incidents.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, Lethabo was stabbed in the upper body and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Two 19-year-old pupils have since been arrested and are expected to appear in court soon.
Police have also confirmed they are searching for a Grade 12 pupil from the same school, who has been identified as a person of interest in the case.