A Grade 10 learner at Bellville South High School has been suspended and could face murder charges after he allegedly fatally struck a classmate, also a Grade 10 learner, over the head, reportedly with a broom, last Thursday, 11 June.

According to the Western Cape Education Department, the incident occurred in the classroom.

It is not known what led to the fatal altercation.

The WCED’s Bronagh Hammond says the learner suffered head injuries and was immediately treated and rushed to hospital, but sadly, he passed away that same evening.

Hammond says counselling support has been provided at the school, and the suspended learner will face disciplinary action.

She says the school is fully cooperating with the police’s murder investigation. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation continues.

The Bellville South Community Policing Forum has urged the public to refrain from speculating on the case as it involves minors.

The CPF has strongly condemned violence of this nature in schools and extended its deepest condolences to the learner’s parents, family, friends, classmates, educators, and the wider school community.