The Free State education department issued a statement confirming the arrest of a 15-year-old pupil from Zama Primary who allegedly murdered a Grade 6 learner.
Zama Primary school murder raises safety alarm
Provincial spokesperson Howard Ndaba revealed the incident took place a short distance outside school grounds, on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the school, situated in Zastron, about 30km out from the Lesotho border, the suspect was involved in a brawl with the Grade 6 pupil whom, it’s alleged, he was bullying.
Zama Primary officials claim the fight was broken up and the 15-year-old, identified by eyewitnesses as the aggressor, was sent home to bring his parents.
Instead, Ndaba revealed, “he came back with a knife, which he used to stab the deceased in the chest.”
In a statement, Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Peter Kareli confirmed authorities were “summoned to a school where reports of stabbing occurred.”
“On arrival members discovered that the suspect was chased and arrested by community members who witnessed the unfortunate incident. The victim had already been taken to hospital but unfortunately succumbed to the stab wound he suffered in the chest,” the police statement read.
It’s unclear, at this stage, what prompted the fight but police believe the suspect had waited for the victim outside the school premises.
“The 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,” Kareli added.
The alleged teen murderer was held in custody and charged with killing his schoolmate. He is expected to appear in court soon.
