Fatal stabbing, Zama Primary School, Zastron, Free State, School Governing Body, SGB, deceased’s family, suspect, minor suspect, argument results in death, Department of Education

An incident of bullying at the Zama Primary School in the Free State resulted in the death of a child. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay

Bullying a topic of concern following fatal stabbing of learner

After the fatal stabbing of a learner by his classmate, the child’s family has spoken out and bullying is once again in the spotlight in SA.

Fatal stabbing, Zama Primary School, Zastron, Free State, School Governing Body, SGB, deceased’s family, suspect, minor suspect, argument results in death, Department of Education

An incident of bullying at the Zama Primary School in the Free State resulted in the death of a child. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay

Bullying in schools has once again been highlighted in South Africa. This follows the fatal stabbing of a Zama Primary School learner. The school is based at Zastron in the Free State.

A dreadful stabbing incident is making headlines

A learner has been arrested for stabbing a fellow classmate. The horrific incident occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, 4 May outside the school. It has been reported that the learners got into an argument earlier.

The suspect then threatened to stab the deceased learner with a spoon. The suspect was ordered to go home and bring his parents to school by the principal. Instead of doing this, the suspect allegedly brought a knife to school.

It is understood that the suspect waited outside the schoolyard for his classmate. He then stabbed his classmate in the chest. The deceased’s family is in disbelief at the terrible incident.

The deceased learner’s family are in disbelief

According to the learner’s family, he had never told them about being bullied at school. A family spokesperson revealed that the learner was a good child who enjoyed laughing. His mother was left without wards after her firstborn was killed.

Family spokesperson Modiehi Chabeli said the death of the learner was a painful one.

“We are very sad. This is painful for us because we expected so much from him. He was so young and not troublesome. He was committed to his school work. He was just an easy-going child,”

said Chabeli.

Education Department and the school SGB have condemned the incident

Zama Primary School learners and parents are being offered counselling by the Free State Department of Education. Department spokesperson Howard Ndaba says they condemn any incidents of violence at schools. He further called for disciplinary action to be implemented on the suspect.

“The Free State education MEC has condemned this incident [stabbing death of learner] in the strongest possible terms and called on the school governing body to investigate this matter and immediate implement disciplinary action [on the suspect]. The department will provide psychosocial support to the learners, the teachers and staff of the school,”

said Ndaba.

SABC News reports that Zama Primary School’s governing body is concerned about the safety of learners. Chairperson Mpho Liee shared that the acts of the suspect brought shame to the learning institution.

Bullying is once again making headlines in SA following the fatal stabbing of a primary school learner. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay

What will happen to the suspect?

The underage suspect has been charged under the Child Justice Act. This Act ensures that children who break the law are not dealt with in accordance with normal criminal procedures.

The suspect is being detained in a place of safety under police guard and is expected to appear in court.

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