Police have opened a murder investigation after a Grade 10 learner from Bellville South High School died following an incident at the school.

The Western Cape Education Department said the learner suffered a fatal head injury during what it described as a serious and distressing incident involving two Grade 10 learners.

The learner received immediate medical attention and was admitted to hospital, but later died on Thursday evening, 11 June.

The department said the incident is reportedly linked to an alleged attempted theft of a cellphone inside a classroom.

WCED Confirms Disciplinary Steps

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the circumstances around the alleged cellphone theft and the involvement of those concerned are still being investigated.

The school is cooperating with the authorities.

Hammond also confirmed that the alleged perpetrator has been suspended and will face disciplinary action.

She extended condolences to the learner’s family, friends and the Bellville South High School community.

“Our condolences to the family, friends and school community for this tragic and alarming loss,” Hammond said.

The department has also provided counselling support to the school community after the learner’s death.

Police Open Murder Case

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed that Bellville South police registered a murder case after the incident.

Van Wyk said the case involves two learners at a secondary school in Bellville South.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet,” Van Wyk said.

No arrests had been made at the time of publication.

CPF Urges Public Not to Speculate

The Bellville South Community Policing Forum also reacted to the learner’s death and urged the public not to speculate while police investigate.

The CPF said the matter remains highly sensitive, especially because minors are involved.

The forum condemned violence in schools and shared condolences with the learner’s family, friends and school community.

It said the incident was traumatic for the families involved and for the broader community.

The investigation is ongoing.