Matric learner [20] arrested for the murder of a fellow learner

A 20-year-old from Sandloot Village, Mahwelereng in Limpopo was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the murder of fellow Matric learner Wallen Tatesi Nthuse Ngoepe.

The arrest follows an in-depth investigation by Police in Mahwelereng into an inquest docket surrounding the untimely death of Ngoepe on Friday, 18 August. He died at home.

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The tragic incident follows a chain of events that unfolded on the said date at Mpirwabirwa Secondary School. Preliminary investigations indicated that a fight broke out between two learners, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries.

Wallen Tatesi Nthuse Ngoepe was hospitalised and was released only to experience complications upon returning home. Sadly he succumbed to the injuries. Police were notified about the incident by the family after the deceased was taken to the mortuary.

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At the time an inquest docket was opened. Police commenced with investigations while also awaiting the results of the postmortem. Consequently, the case was changed to murder leading to the subsequent arrest of the suspect.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still subject to Police investigations. The suspect will appear on a charge of murder in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

DA IN LIMPOPO DEMANDS ANSWERS OVER DEATH OF WALLEN TATESI NTHUSE NGOPEPE

Meanwhile, the DA in Limpopo has written to the MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, to investigate the circumstances around the death of Ngoepe.

“This incident further highlights the need for the Limpopo Department of Education to ensure that there is careful monitoring of learners. Adequate security at these school camps to stop the recurrence of these tragic incidents. In November last year there were reports of another matric learner found dead with stab wounds at a school camp at Ben Hlongwane Secondary School in Tshamahansi,” said the DA.

They also demand that MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya engage with school management teams and the School Governing Bodies (SGB). To find ways to ensure that these school camps are safe for learners when they prepare for matric examinations.