A fight that broke out after school on Thursday in Brakpan claimed the life of a grade 10 learner. According to the Gauteng Department of Education, the Grade 10 boy from Geluksdal Secondary School was stabbed after school during a fight.

“It is alleged that this fight emanated from three Grade 10 boy learners pepper spraying other learners during schooling hours.

“Subsequently, about eight learners confronted them about their behaviour and they stopped,” said department spokesperson Steve Mabona.

It is further alleged that the perpetrators emerged after school in the company of unknown persons, not from the school.

“Accordingly, this group reportedly started a fight with the learners who were not pleased by their behaviour and started stabbing them. Unfortunately, one of the learners passed. away from a fatal stab wound,” he said.

“One learner allegedly escaped with minor injuries, while one of the alleged perpetrators was seriously injured. Both were taken to Pholosong Hospital in an ambulance.”

Matome Chiloane, MEC for Education in Gauteng, stated that students fighting among themselves is unacceptable.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of one of our learners, especially at hands of such a violent act. We strongly disapprove of learners fighting among each other. We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the affected family and school community at large,” Chiloane said.