The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned all forms of bullying and violence in and around the learning environment in the strongest possible terms.
This follows an incident that occurred on Tuesday, 28 November 2023 where an 18-year-old learner of Maope High School was brutally stabbed in the upper body by the suspects.
According to reports, two groups of boys had heated argument, which led to a fight. In the process, the victim was then stabbed and sustained serious injuries.
The victim was immediately transported to the hospital by a community member who witnessed the incident and was declared dead on arrival. The deceased was identified by his family as Photigo Monareng (18).
Police were alerted, they traced the suspects until they arrested them today, Tuesday 28 November 2023. During the arrest police confiscated dangerous weapons including three knives, one hammer and an axe.
The motive behind the incident is unknown, but the police investigations will tell as they are still unfolding.
“We have noted a trend of bullying and embedded culture of violence in schools recently. Bullying and violence should be reported as soon as it occur to the parents, teachers, and police because it is so unacceptable and should not be tolerated at all. It is time to hold those responsible for these acts to account,” remarked General Hadebe.
Suspects aged between 18 and 30 are expected to appear before the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 30 November 2023 facing murder charges.