A Grade 11 learner died from Bishop Lavis Secondary School died this afternoon (Wednesday, 30 August 2006) in a stabbing incident outside Belvue Primary School in Jakaranda Street, Belhar.

According to our information, a group of youths chased two boys in what could have been an attempted robbery. They attacked one of the learners, who died of stab wounds on the scene. The other learner managed to escape. At this stage, we are awaiting confirmation of the victim’s identity.

Barry Volschenk, the Director of Education in the Metropole North District of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) sent the Circuit Manager for the area to the scene immediately on hearing of the incident.

Two officials of the WCED’s Safe Schools Division in the district also went to the scene to investigate and to determine the counseling support required.

The officials and a school psychologist from the Metropole North Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC) of the WCED will visit to Belvue Primary and Bishop Lavis Secondary tomorrow morning to provide trauma counseling.

Those who witnessed the incident include Foundation Phase learners at Belvue. The EMDC will provide counseling to whoever needs it, including learners and staff at the schools concerned.