By Karabo Marifi
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has strongly condemned the murder of 18-year-old Simphiwe ‘Mcebo’ Biyela, a Grade 11 learner from Musi High School in Soweto, who was allegedly stabbed to death by two university students. The tragic incident has sparked unrest at schools in the area, with learners protesting and marching to the University of Johannesburg.
Details of the Incident
Simphiwe Biyela was killed on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, while on his way home from school in Pimville, Soweto. The motive for the killing remains unclear, but police have arrested two suspects, aged 19 and 24, who are now facing murder charges. The pair appeared in the Lenasia Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, as investigations into the circumstances of Biyela’s death continue.
School Disruptions and Protests
The murder triggered widespread unrest in Soweto’s schools. On Wednesday, 7 May 2025, disruptions were reported at Musi High School and other schools in the Pimville area. The situation escalated on Thursday, 8 May 2025, when approximately 150 learners from Musi High School allegedly forced their way out of the school premises during the third period. This group disrupted two additional schools in the area before marching to the University of Johannesburg to protest Biyela’s death.
Department’s Response
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that learners at the affected schools remain safe and that teaching continued despite the disruptions. To address the emotional toll of the incident, the department deployed a Psycho-Social Support team to Musi High School, offering trauma counselling to learners, staff, and the wider school community.
MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of Biyela. “We are deeply devastated by the tragic death of Simphiwe ‘Mcebo’ Biyela,” he said. “This heartbreaking incident has caused immense pain and sorrow.
We remain committed to supporting the school and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all learners and staff.” He also urged communities to allow law enforcement to handle the case and refrain from further disrupting education, adding, “Learning and teaching will continue as normal tomorrow.”
Call for Calm
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona called for calm amid reports of learners seeking revenge. “We are told that there were disruptions yesterday, and today there’s an element of disruptions happening, allegedly some learners want to revenge in a way,” he said. “We just want to call upon learners to not do that; they must leave the matter to the police.” Mabona emphasized the importance of maintaining order and allowing authorities to address the situation.
Ongoing Support and Investigation
The GDE has assured the public that police are actively investigating Biyela’s death, and the department will continue to provide support to the Musi High School community. The deployment of psycho-social services underscores the department’s commitment to helping those affected cope with the tragedy.
As Soweto grapples with the loss of a young life, officials are focused on restoring stability to the area’s schools while ensuring justice is served through the legal process.
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