Africa-Press – South-Africa. It is very wrong for children to undermine teachers and injure or kill them.”
Free State Education MEC Dr Tate Makgoe has again spoken out against the fatal stabbing of a teacher in the province.
Matefo Mphosela, 35, was killed last Thursday at her home in Soutpan. It is alleged that 21-year-old Simphiwe Mondli, a pupil at Kopanong Combined School, where Mphosela taught, stabbed her.
Makgoe visited the school on Monday.
“We call on all pupils to refrain from carrying weapons, drugs and alcohol to our schools. The implications of killing a pupil or teacher are that they could spend their lives behind bars. We are not going to allow such behaviour in our schools. I warn all those who go against our policy that they will destroy their future and the dreams of their parents.
“I urge matriculants to do it for their favourite teacher who is no more. They must dedicate their exams to her. We ask teachers to support our children and not give up because they are affected by the killing of their teacher.
“Wherever she is, she would have loved to see her children succeed and the school achieve 100%. The school has attained 100% three times through her contribution. She has also produced many distinctions in physical science.”
Makgoe had asked the community of Soutpan to hold hands with the school and support the class of 2022.
“The SGB [school governing body] must also come to the party and support the school to maintain its 100% pass rate.”
“Her death still saddens us. We are also shocked that one of our children is accused of killing our teacher. We want to go deeper and find out what caused the fatality,” the MEC said.
“We spoke to his [the pupil’s] mother, who was shattered. She expected her son to do well in school but was disappointed by his alleged actions. Our psychosocial support will remain at the school to ensure there is emotional stability,” Makgoe said.
“We understand and respect the law. The pupil appeared in court for the first time on Monday. We are going to monitor the case until its finality. We hope justice will be delivered to Mphosela’s family, school, the department and the community.”
NPA regional spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said Mondli appeared briefly in the Brandfort Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with murder.
He will remain behind bars until his next court appearance on 31 October.
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