There is growing speculation over the whereabouts of a Bellville South High School learner who is being investigated in connection with the death of a fellow classmate. 

According to reports, the Grade 10 learner has allegedly fled the country. The learner is currently the subject of a disciplinary process related to the incident at the school last month. 

Smile FM previously reported that a murder investigation had been launched after another Grade 10 learner was struck over the head with a broom on 11 June. The learner later succumbed to his injuries. 

READ MORE: Murder probe as Grade 10 learner is killed, allegedly by classmate – Smile 90.4FM

The two learners are believed to have been involved in an altercation over the alleged theft of a cellphone in the classroom. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing. 

In a News24 article published on 7 July, it was reported that the learner under investigation and his parent had agreed to meet with police but never arrived. 

The article quotes a source “close to the investigation, who said that “attempts to reach them have thus far been unsuccessful”.  

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department was not aware of allegations that the family had left the country. 

“The department has not officially been informed that the family has allegedly left the country. The learner had been suspended and a disciplinary process is underway,” Hammond said. 

She added that the learner had not been expelled, as any decision on expulsion is subject to the outcome of the disciplinary process and approval by the Head of Department. 

“The hearing will resume once schools reopen. If the learner does not attend the hearing, the school may proceed with the disciplinary process, provided the notice was properly served and due process has been followed.” 

Meanwhile, the SAPS is mum over the allegation, only noting that there are no new developments to report to the media “at this stage”. 

“Kindly be advised that the matter you are referring to is still under investigation,” Captain F.C. Van Wyk said in correspondence with Smile FM.