A deep sense of grief and shock has engulfed the Lethabong informal settlement in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, following the tragic murder of 19-year-old Grade 11 learner, Lethabo Mokonyane Matula. The fatal incident took place on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, just outside Lesedi Secondary School—marking yet another heartbreaking episode of violence affecting school learners in South Africa.
According to reports, the stabbing occurred shortly after Matula had completed his final midterm examination. He was allegedly attacked while attempting to board his scholar transport near the school entrance. Witnesses say the confrontation was swift and brutal, leaving learners and staff traumatised as the young learner collapsed from his wounds.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) acted promptly and arrested two suspects—both Grade 12 learners aged 19. Preliminary investigations have suggested that the attack may have been linked to an earlier incident of bullying, which the victim’s family believed had been resolved months prior. The motive behind the murder remains under scrutiny, but the act has sent shockwaves throughout the community and broader public.
In the wake of the tragedy, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his deep sorrow and outrage over the loss of another young life to school violence. “Schools must remain sanctuaries for learning, not scenes of brutality,” he said. Chiloane added that swift and decisive action must be taken to safeguard learners and staff at all educational institutions.
The Gauteng Department of Education has since deployed psychologists and members of its School Safety Unit to Lesedi Secondary School to offer trauma counseling to learners, educators, and Matula’s grieving family. In addition, the department has initiated a comprehensive review of existing school safety protocols to identify gaps and reinforce preventive measures.
The two arrested learners appeared before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 20 June 2025, where they were formally charged with murder. Their case has been postponed to 27 June 2025 to allow further investigation.
This tragic death has reignited widespread concern over the growing issue of school-based violence. Parents, educators, and community leaders are calling for stronger interventions to curb the alarming trend of violent altercations involving learners. Many are demanding the implementation of stricter disciplinary frameworks, increased on-campus security, and mandatory conflict resolution programs in schools.
As the legal process unfolds, the Lesedi Secondary School community continues to mourn the loss of a young man who many say was kind-hearted, respectful, and full of promise. Friends and teachers remember Lethabo Mokonyane Matula as a dedicated student who had hopes of making a better life for himself and his family.
His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to restore safety and discipline in learning environments. For the Lethabong community, the pain of losing Lethabo will linger long after the headlines fade, leaving behind unanswered questions and broken hearts.