Both the management of police and the Mpumalanga Department of Education strongly condemned the incident which took place at eMbalenhle on Monday, 10 February 2020, at about 07:30, whereby a 17-year-old grade 9 learner was allegedly fatally stabbed by a 24-year-old suspect.
According to information at police disposal, on that fateful day a 17-year-old boy was on his way to school when he was suddenly attacked and stabbed by the man.
The Police were notified and they attended the scene where a case of murder was opened.
Preliminary investigation suggests that meanwhile police were busy gathering information of the murder case involving the teenager, an angry mob also received these details of the incident and organised themselves where they pursued the man who is alleged to have murdered the boy.
This mob did not provide police with information of the whereabouts of the suspect however, they cornered the 24-year-old man and assaulted him.
Police were notified about the assault by some members of the public and they rushed to the scene. Medical Personnel also arrived at the scene where they certified the man dead. Another case of murder was opened by police. No one has yet been arrested.
Anyone with information that can help in apprehending the suspects in the murder case can contact Detective Captain Sakhile Simon Mlotshwa on 0829705774.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma and the MEC for the Department of Education, Mr Bonakele Majuba have strongly condemned the two murders.
“We strongly condemn the murder of a young boy who was on his way to school to prepare for his future yet his life was cut short under unclear circumstances.
We also wish to urge communities not to take the law into their own hands.” said General Zuma and MEC Majuba.
The MEC for Education will visit Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School and the bereaved family of the learner on 12 February 2020 at 11:00.
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