Two Lesedi Secondary Students Charged with Murder of Classmate

(The Post News)- On Friday, the 27th of June, 2 male students, 20-year-old Mlehalinye Montasi and 19-year-old Kgotlhetlo Mathabathe, from Lesedi Secondary School in Pretoria East, Lethabang, appeared before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court for stabbing a fellow classmate, Lethabo Mokonyane, and were charged with premeditated murder.

According to what Mokonyane’s family told the Sowetan Newspaper, the dispute between the students started earlier this year when Mokonyane used a pair of scissors to deter Montasi from taking a chair. However, after both families were called into the office, the issue was believed to have been resolved.

Lumka Mahanjana, the Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), contended that Montasi and Mathabathe ambushed Mokonyane after he finished writing his exam on the 17th of June. As the deceased made his way to the exit of the school premises, the two students ganged up against him and “started fighting”. It is alleged that one of the culprits had initially bunked school and later came back to hold the victim back as the other stabbed him twice with a sharp object in his back and stomach before they both fled the scene. Although he was rushed to the nearest hospital, the pupil unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and died a few hours later.

Montasi and Mathabathe’s next court hearing is scheduled for the 7th of July, where they will be expected to apply for bail. However, Mahanjana affirms that the state intends to deny their application unless they can provide compelling justification.