Polokwane – An 18-year-old schoolboy has been arrested for the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old fellow secondary school learner in Mopani district in Limpopo.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the deadly violence occurred at Mphamme village, in the Maake policing area.
“The incident occurred on Wednesday, 26 March 2026, at approximately 20h00,” Colonel Leswaba said in a statement released on Friday, 27 March 2026.
“It is reported that both the deceased and the suspect are learners at the same secondary school,” the police spokesperson said.
“The altercation is believed to have started at the school premises and later escalated.
“During the confrontation, the victim was allegedly stabbed in the chest with a sharp object and was declared dead at the scene.”
Colonel Ledwaba said that at about midday on Thursday, 26 March 2026, the Mopani police tracking team and Maake detectives acted on a tip-off.
They traced and apprehended the suspect at Ga-Sekororo, Bismarck village.
“The suspect remains in police custody,” Colonel Ledwaba said.
Limpopo Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the incident, particularly the involvement of learners in violent crime.
“This tragic incident is deeply concerning, as it involves learners from the same school who should be focusing on their education and future,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“Violence among the youth, especially within and around school environments, cannot be tolerated.
“We call on parents, educators, and communities to work closely with law enforcement to address and prevent such incidents.”
She further commended the swift response by the Mopani Tracking Team and Maake Detectives for ensuring the prompt arrest of the suspect.
The arrested schoolboy is expected to appear before the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 March 2026.
Colonel Ledwaba said police investigations were ongoing.
