Lethabo Mokonyane, the 19-year-old Grade 11 pupil from Lesedi Secondary School who was fatally stabbed earlier this month, is being laid to rest today in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.
A devastating incident at a Pretoria East secondary school has once again brought the issue of violence in South African schools to the forefront. A 19-year-old learner was fatally stabbed just after completing his final exam, an attack witnessed by fellow pupils as he was leaving the school premises. The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning, reigniting urgent conversations about student safety.
Timeline: Lethabo Mokonyane Case
17 June 2025
Lethabo Mokonyane, a 19-year-old Grade 11 pupil at Lesedi Secondary School in Pretoria East, is stabbed outside the school premises after writing his last exam. The attack occurs in front of other pupils as Mokonyane is leaving the school. He is taken to a medical care centre and is certified dead on arrival.
18–19 June 2025
Police begin investigating the case, identifying two 19-year-old suspects—both pupils at the same school. Another Grade 12 pupil is named as a person of interest and is being sought by police.
20 June 2025
News outlets report the arrest of the two suspects, who are charged with murder and are set to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court.
27 June 2025
The suspects are formally charged with murder. Media coverage highlights the case and ongoing court proceedings.
28 June 2025
The funeral service for Lethabo Mokonyane is held. The community mourns his loss and calls for action against school violence.
This incident is not an isolated one. In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in violent episodes within school environments across the country. In Cape Town, a student was stabbed by a younger peer during school hours, reportedly following a dispute. In the Northern Cape, a young girl lost her life at the hands of a fellow learner. Even teachers have not been spared, with reports of assaults by students following disciplinary actions.
The numbers tell a worrying story. Hundreds of bullying cases have been reported nationwide this year, with some provinces experiencing particularly high rates. Violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault, have occurred on school grounds, often involving learners as both victims and perpetrators.
Efforts are being made to address this crisis. Authorities are working to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and educational institutions, especially in high-risk areas. New protocols are being introduced to improve safety, including the establishment of safety committees and stricter controls over who can access school premises.
Despite these initiatives, the pain and frustration within affected communities remain raw. Families are demanding justice and urgent action, calling for schools to become safe spaces where learning and growth can take place without fear. The hope is that these tragedies will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, ensuring that schools fulfill their promise as havens of education and opportunity.
