Sharpeville matric learner stabbed to death, police investigate

Police are investigating a murder after a matric learner from Sharpeville was stabbed on Thursday 29 October, Sedibeng Ster reported.

His family named him as Silas Kimba Mahlaba, 20, a matric learner at Thuto Lore Engineering School of Specialisation, the paper reported. His family says he had been studying for his final exams.

His mother told the paper that the two of them were walking to the local shops when a man started insulting her. She said the man hit her with a brick. When her son asked him why, she said, he was stabbed once in the chest.

According to his mother, he went back home but collapsed in front of a neighbour’s yard. Neighbours helped take him to a local clinic, and an ambulance then took him to Sebokeng Hospital. She told the paper he died as they reached the hospital.

Sedibeng Ster reported that community members handed a man in his 50s over to Sharpeville police. Police spokesperson Sergeant Busisiwe Motsoeneng confirmed to the paper that a murder investigation is under way. Police have not said whether he has been arrested or charged.

The family says it wants justice. We found no statement from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).

Nation Watch SA has asked police and the Gauteng Department of Education to comment. This story will be updated with their responses.