By Anita Dangazele
- A Grade 9 learner at Toise High School was stabbed by another learner on 3 March 2026 before classes started.
- Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade condemned the attack and the department sent psychosocial support teams to Toise High School.
A Grade 9 learner at Toise High School in the Eastern Cape has died after being stabbed by another learner inside the school.
The attack happened on the morning of 3 March 2026, just before classes started. Teachers and school staff took the injured learner to Grey Hospital for urgent treatment. The learner later died from the stab wounds.
Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade condemned the attack.
“We are devastated by this tragic loss of a young life. We urge parents to collaborate with us to ensure that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and not places of fear and violence. Both parents and community leaders must condemn this act of violence in our schools,” Gade said.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education sent psychosocial support teams to the school. These teams are helping learners, teachers and the family of the child who died, offering trauma counselling.
School leaders, the School Governing Body and police also stepped in to calm tensions. They planned a meeting with community groups to help deal with the situation and prevent more conflict.
Gade also sent condolences to the learner’s family, friends and classmates.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. No parent should ever have to bury their child under such tragic circumstances. We stand with them in their grief,” Gade said.
The department said schools must remain safe places where children can learn without fear.
Pictured above: Toise High School in the Eastern Cape, where a Grade 9 learner was stabbed on 3 March 2026.
Image source: Facebook
