A learner from Madadeni was murdered on Tuesday afternoon, 19 August 2025, in a stabbing outside Ikhwezi High School. The fatal attack has raised an alarm over the surge in school violence within Newcastle and has triggered an urgent response from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Amajuba SAPS District Commissioner, General Alexander, the confrontation involved learners from Ikhwezi High School and Duckponds School.
“The stabbing took place outside Ikhwezi High School when learners from Duckponds School approached him and an altercation broke out among the learners and the learner from Ikhwezi High was stabbed. Unfortunately, he passed away a short while later due to his injuries.”
Following the incident, the Madadeni SAPS launched an investigation. However, in a turn of events, the suspects’ parents surrendered their children to the authorities once they discovered their involvement. “We are thankful that the parents were responsible and brought them forward,” General Alexander confirmed.
This murder follows a stabbing in Newcastle only a week earlier. As reported by Newcastillian News on 13 August 2024, a 17-year-old was arrested for stabbing a fellow learner at St Oswald’s Secondary School shortly before the start of the school day.
To read more, click here.
Although the St Oswald’s victim survived the ordeal, the fatality in Madadeni has underscored the urgency of tackling escalating violence in schools. General Alexander confirmed that SAPS officers across the Amajuba District will now intensify searches for weapons and drugs on school premises. He noted, however, that operational details would only be shared once the plan was fully implemented.
As SAPS moves to curb violence in schools, General Alexander has appealed directly to parents to take greater responsibility.
“Parents need to ensure their children’s safety from school to home at all times. Also, parents also need to be vigilant in regards to their children’s behaviour, and check their school bags if they have to for weapons or drugs.”
The latest incident has placed local school safety at the forefront of community concern in Newcastle. With two stabbings reported within days, the call for collective responsibility is now louder than ever. Police efforts and parental vigilance will be critical in preventing further tragedies and in restoring a sense of security for learners in the district.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Be sure to read, DMRE Refuses Coal Prospecting Application in Newcastle as Community Voices Remain Central, if you missed it
FAQS
A learner from Madadeni was fatally stabbed outside the school following an altercation with learners from Duckponds School.
The parents of the suspects surrendered their children to SAPS after discovering their involvement.
SAPS in Amajuba District will intensify searches for weapons and drugs on school premises to curb violence.
Yes, a week earlier a learner was stabbed at St Oswald’s Secondary School. That victim survived.
One Response
Very sad.
Condolences to the family of the deceased learner.
It’s really getting bad now.
Our kids are not safe anywhere anymore.
I pray God takes back control of our country.