Two Gauteng learners – a 17-year-old Grade 8 boy from Forest High School and a Grade 12 boy from Daleview Secondary School – have died after being stabbed in separate incidents, the department said in a statement on Tuesday, March 24.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said it is alleged that the Grade 8 learner was severely beaten and stabbed on Friday, March 20, 2026, at a park near the school after school hours.
In a separate incident, he said a Grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School was fatally stabbed on Monday, March 23, 2026, in an open veld while walking home after school.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the Forest High School learner was allegedly severely beaten and stabbed last week Friday at Rotunda Park, located near the school, after schooling hours.”
“The learner sustained severe injuries during the incident and was initially rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to another hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries,” Mabona said.
He said in a separate incident, the department has been informed that a Grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School was stabbed to death in the veld between the school and a local store while walking home after school.
“The circumstances surrounding these incidents are currently under investigation by police.”
The department said psycho-social support services have been mobilised and will be provided to learners, educators and the respective bereaved families to assist them during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane described the two deaths as a deeply painful loss for the education community.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both school communities affected by these tragedies.”
“Violence against our learners, whether within or outside school premises, is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”
“We call on communities to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, and to stand united in protecting our children so that our schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning,” Chiloane added.
IOL News
Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
