Gauteng Education MEC
By Lerato Mpembe
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of a Grade 11 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in Donkerhoek, Pretoria East, who was fatally stabbed by a fellow Grade 12 learner on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. The incident took place just outside the school yard as learners were boarding their scholar transports, leaving the school community in shock.
According to preliminary reports, the Grade 12 learner had not attended school that day but allegedly arrived after hours and stabbed the Grade 11 learner. The victim was rushed to Lethabong Healthcare Clinic, where he was sadly pronounced dead on arrival. Law enforcement authorities are investigating the full details of this heartbreaking event.
In a moving statement, MEC Chiloane said, “We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. No child should ever lose their life in the pursuit of education. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the school community during this incredibly painful time. As the Department, we strongly condemn all forms of violence in and around schools, particularly by learners. Our schools must remain spaces of learning, safety, and hope, not breeding grounds for brutality and violence. Learners must understand that violence has life-altering consequences. Such actions will not only remove you from the classroom but may ultimately place you behind bars.”
Support for the School Community
- The Gauteng Department of Education has acted swiftly, sending a team of psychologists and the School Safety Unit to Lesedi Secondary School. They are providing trauma counselling to learners and educators affected by the incident. The department is also putting stronger safety measures in place to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
A Disturbing Trend of Violence in Gauteng Schools
This incident is not a standalone event. Violence in Gauteng schools has become a growing concern in recent years. For instance, in February 2023, a Grade 10 learner was fatally stabbed at Geluksdal Secondary School in Brakpan after an altercation involving pepper spray. In October 2022, several schools across the province reported stabbings and fights among learners, pointing to a troubling pattern of ill-discipline.
MEC Chiloane has repeatedly spoken out against this violence, stressing the importance of discipline and safety in schools. In July 2023, the department launched ‘Operation Kgutla Molao,’ a school safety programme targeting 1,700 Gauteng schools, including 275 classified as high-risk. The initiative includes tough measures like suspending learners involved in violent acts and disciplining educators or staff linked to misconduct.
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