Statement by the Western Cape Education Minister, André Gaum

After close of school today (7 August 2003) at 14:30 a fellow learner of Luviwe Tyaki attacked him with a knife as he was leaving the school terrain of Matthew Goniwe High in Khayelitsha.

The school acted immediately and called for an ambulance, the police and notified the WCED Safe Schools Call Centre, but unfortunately he had died from the wounds inflicted on him. Luviwe Tyaki was 16 years old, and a Grade10 learner at the school.

The alleged perpetrator had run away after the attack, and has not been arrested by late tonight.

I am utterly shocked by this tragic event. My department will investigate the incident fully. This kind of violence is totally unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

I express my deepest sympathies with the family of Luviwe. Words cannot compensate for the loss the family is experiencing.

For further information, contact:

Rudi Buys
082-577-6551