School Pupil Dies In Principal’s Office
He was stabbed to death in the principal’s office, allegedly by the losing pupil.
Thabang Mashiane paid with his life after winning a game of dice at school.
Thabang, a 19-year-old at Solomon Mahlangu High School in Modimolle, Limpopo, played with his last R2.
According to his friend, the suspect had bet with a folded R20 note that turned out to be half-torn.
“After winning, Thabang realised the R20 note was damaged and demanded money from the boy.
“We forcefully searched him and found R15 in his pocket. We took it,” said the friend. He said the suspect was angry and went to report the matter to a teacher.
“He later came back and told us that the principal had called us to his office. When we got there, the principal was not in. The boy took out a knife and stabbed Thabang. He died on the spot,” the friend said.
Thabang’s shocked mother, Paulina Mashiane, said: “He was a good boy who attended church and sang in the choir.
“How he ended up gambling at school is beyond me.
“His twin brother Thabo, who goes to the same school, can’t even talk about the killing.”
Police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said Lehutso Mapholo (19) appeared in the Modimolle Magistrates Court yesterday on a charge of murder. He will apply for bail on Thursday.