Free State Education MEC Tate Makgoe has expressed shock after a Grade 6 learner at Zama Primary School in Zastron was allegedly stabbed to death by a fellow pupil with a knife on Wednesday.
The provincial education department said in a statement the incident happened after school, about 600 metres from the school premises.
It is believed a brawl initially broke out between the two learners, both male, in the morning at the school after the suspect allegedly bullied and attempted to stab the now deceased learner with a spoon.
The suspect was called to the principal’s office and instructed to go and call his parents.
Instead, he came back to school carrying a knife and waited till after school.
“We vehemently condemn the violent behaviour which led to the death of the learner,” said Makgoe in the statement.
“. . . it is absolutely unacceptable. The SGB (school governing body) must investigate this incident and take necessary disciplinary action against the perpetrator,” he added.
The MEC indicated that a psychosocial team will be dispatched to counsel other learners, the family and all affected members of the school.
Free State police confirmed in a separate statement the arrest of the 15-year-old suspect following the fatal stabbing.
He has been charged with murder and will appear in court soon.
Sergeant Peter Kareli said police were called to the school on Wednesday at about 14:20.
He said when the police arrived at the school, community members who witnessed the unfortunate incident had already effected a citizens’ arrest on the suspect.
He was handed over to the police.
“The victim had already been taken to hospital but unfortunately succumbed to the stab wound he suffered in the chest,” Kareli in the statement.
He confirmed that the suspect and the victim engaged in an argument that became physical while at school.
“The fight started again (after school) and the suspect stabbed the victim once in the chest and fled the scene,” Kareli explained.
“A teacher who was nearby took the victim in his vehicle with the knife still stuck in his chest to the hospital and on his way met the emergency services who unfortunately declared the 15-year-old dead before he could reach the hospital.” – Staff Reporter