A Grade 10 learner has died following an alleged assault by a fellow pupil at a school in Bellville, Cape Town, in an incident reportedly linked to the theft of a cellphone.
According to the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED), an altercation broke out between two Grade 10 learners inside a classroom, during which one learner allegedly struck the other on the head.
The injured learner was rushed for medical treatment and admitted to hospital, but later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the incident.
Police have since opened a murder case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the learner's death. No arrests have been made at this stage.
The department confirmed that the learner accused of carrying out the assault has been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
"Despite immediate medical assistance and hospitalisation, the injured learner sadly passed away. Our condolences to the family, friends and school community for this tragic and alarming loss," Hammond said.
She added that counselling services have been made available to learners and staff at the school, while the institution is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities as investigations continue.
"The school is cooperating with the authorities in terms of their investigation," Hammond said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the school community and renewed concerns about violence in schools across the province.