Ranishia Athleen van Wyk, 14, was allegedly stabbed in the chest by a 16-year-old girl and died on her way to the hospital.
Both pupils are in Gr. 8 in school.
The incident happened about five minutes after the school day started at 7:10 p.m.
Thelma van Wyk, a family member, claims the girls allegedly fought the day before.
“The child allegedly said she was going to school today (Wednesday) to kill Ranishia. However, no one expected it to happen, ”says Van Wyk.
“Everyone is still shocked. It is a tragedy. This happened in the principal’s office (Charles Groenewald) as they waited to be addressed about yesterday’s fight, “she says.
Van Wyk said the news of Ranishia’s death had not yet sunk in with her mother, Shirlyn-Ann. “She’s crying, but I think the shock will only hit her later.”
Police spokesman Mohale Ramatseba says no one has been arrested yet and the investigation is ongoing.
According to Geoffrey van der Merwe, spokesperson for the Northern Cape Education Department, they are “deeply concerned about the latest incident”.
“We’re not sure what led to the incident yet, but our district office is investigating it.
“The alleged offender has been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing. She will be isolated and will write her exam under supervision, ”says Van der Merwe.
According to him, the department sent counselors to the school for the pupils and teachers.
“Schools are a reflection of our societies and it hurts us that schools have become a war zone. We call on the wider community of Upington to work with us for safer schools, homes and communities, ”says Van der Merwe.
Van Wyk says parents ran to school after the incident to fetch their children because they did not know which pupil was stabbed.
“Ranishia was an intelligent child, an A student. It was only this year that she was a bit naughty. She did sports too. We all still have questions because we don’t know what yesterday’s fight was about. We have no answer. The teachers and the community are all shocked. ”
