Police are investigating a case of murder after a Grade 12 learner at Kagisano Combined School in Soutpan, about 50km northeast of Bloemfontein, allegedly stabbed and killed a physical science teacher on Thursday night.
The 35-year-old teacher, Matefo Mphosela, was allegedly attacked by the learner, aged 21, while at her house.
The motive for the killing is not yet known.
The learner, who is currently in police custody, allegedly attacked the teacher at her house around 9pm.
Education MEC Tate Makgoe says he is devastated by the incident.
He is quoted in a statement released by his office as saying the “incident, which has left educators and learners in a state of shock and distress, comes just days before the start of the 2022 Grade 12 examinations”.
School principal Nameng Sehloho described Mphosela, who hailed from Botshabelo, as a very hard working and committed teacher.
“In 2019 she gave us 85percent, in 2020 82 percent and last year 84.2 percent in physical science,” said Sehloho.
“We have lost a consummate educator, a fountain of knowledge . . . to the teaching profession,” he added in the statement.
The MEC is expected to visit the family of the deceased teacher in Botshabelo this Saturday afternoon.
The education department said it is providing counselling to all affected educators and learners. – Staff Reporter