Police have arrested three pupils in connection with the stabbing of a Grade 9 boy at a Delft school.
The 17-year-old was killed on the school grounds of Leiden Secondary at around 11am yesterday morning.
The Western Cape Education Department confirms the incident is gang-related and says that the Grade 9 boy was stabbed to death with a knife, allegedly by a fellow pupil in the same grade.
Jesscia Shelver, the spokesperson for Education MEC Debbie Schafer, says the attack occurred during first break.
“Details around the incident are still sketchy but it is believed to be gang-related. The SAPS officials are on the scene and counselling will be provided as required,” she says.
Shelver says some learners had to be escorted home following the incident as they were severely traumatised.
Cops say the trouble started after a fight broke out between several learners.
Police's Noloyiso Rwexana, says they’ve arrested three learners between the ages of 16 and 18 in connection with the fatal stabbing.
Rwexana says they’ll continue to monitor the school for the rest of the week: “ A fight broke out between learners, the victim was found with a stab wound in his chest and he died due to his injuries.
“Three learners aged between 16 and 18 were arrested. A murder case is under investigation. Police will continue to monitor the school.”
The murder follows the arrest of a 17-year-old boy in connection with a stabbing at Crystal High School in Hanover Park last week.
About 10 to 12 alleged gang members stormed the school premises on Tuesday morning and stabbed a Grade 11 girl in the back with a knife.
The girl survived the attack. Police confirmed this incident was also gang-related.