Rustenburg – The city at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain range in the North West is still reeling in shock after 18-year-old schoolboy Lethabo Sibanda was stabbed to death during a fight at a bus station.
Another boy, who was also stabbed in the mass brawl involving two schools, survived.
Police have since arrested 19-year-old schoolboy Blessing Dintle Tladi.
The arrested schoolboy appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
The case was adjourned to next week Monday, (12 June 2023), and the accused was remanded in custody.
Narrating events leading to the murder, Captain Sam Tselanyane said on Friday at about 15:45 the police received a complaint about the stabbing incident.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found members of the community gathered around a motionless body covered with a blanket,” recalled Captain Tselanyane.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed with a sharp object in his throat.
“According to bystanders, the victim was a learner from a high school in Rustenburg,” said Captain Sam Tselanyane.
“He allegedly fought with another pupil from the other school who in turn recruited a group of other learners to attack the victim’s group.
“The two groups allegedly gathered at the Bus Rank leading to a fight and eventual stabbing of the victim.”
Captain Sam Tselanyane said one schoolboy was certified dead at the scene.
“Another learner who was also stabbed was transported to a local hospital by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).
“The 19-year-old suspect fled the scene after the incident, but was later traced and arrested.”
Captain Sam Tselanyane said investigations into the matter are continuing.
