Limpopo police are investigating the death of a Grade 12 pupil who died at home after a school fight.
Allegations are that another pupil bludgeoned the pupil on his head.
Limpopo education department spokesperson Mike Maringa said the incident happened at Mpirwabirwa Secondary School in Mahwelereng during trial exams last week.
According to information at their disposal, the fight broke out when the pupils’ teacher left their classroom to fetch exam papers.
It is alleged that a wooden object was used to clobber the pupil on his head.
“We are still unsure about what had led to the altercation between the two; that matter is subject to an ongoing investigation,” Maringa said.
“We have since activated our social workers to visit the school and provide psycho-social support. We understand that the case has been reported to SAPS, and the investigation will give us a directive on what to do going forward,” he added.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said police opened an inquest case after the pupil died at home and his body was taken to the mortuary without the police’s knowledge.
He said:
Preliminary investigation revealed that on 18 August, there was a fight at school between the two boys. One pupil sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. The incident was not reported to the police, and he was discharged on 20 August.
“When he arrived home, he had complications and died. His family took the body to the nearby mortuary,” he said.
The family discovered from the school that a fight had led to his hospitalisation.
“The school and family reported the incident to the police, and an inquest docket was opened. The deceased was identified as Wallen Tatesi Nthutse Ngoepe.
“Police investigation will reveal the cause of the death,” he added.
Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya said he was saddened by the pupil’s death.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident.
Source News24
