The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed the deaths of two learners in unrelated stabbing incidents.

The department said the victims were a 17-year-old Grade 8 boy from Forest High School and a Grade 12 boy from Daleview Secondary School. The department shared the details in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Forest High Learner Dies After Attack

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said preliminary reports indicate the Forest High School learner was allegedly severely beaten and stabbed on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Rotunda Park near the school after school hours.

Mabona said the learner sustained severe injuries and was first taken to a local hospital before being transferred to another hospital, where he later died.

Daleview Learner Stabbed While Walking Home

In the second incident, Mabona said a Grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School was fatally stabbed on Monday, March 23, 2026.

The department said the learner was stabbed in an open veld between the school and a local store while walking home after school.

Police Investigate as Support is Mobilised

Mabona said the circumstances surrounding both incidents are under police investigation.

The department said psycho-social support services have been mobilised and will be provided to learners, educators and the bereaved families.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane described the deaths as a deeply painful loss for the education community. He extended condolences to the families, friends and both school communities. Chiloane said violence against learners, whether within or outside school premises, is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. He also called on communities to work with law enforcement so those responsible can be brought to justice and schools can remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.