Two Pretoria students are in court facing charges of the premeditated murder of their schoolmate.
Mlehalinye Montasi, a 20-year-old Grade 12 pupil, and Kgotlhello Mathabathe, a 19-year-old Grade 10 learner, stood before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court facing serious allegations.
Two Students Murder a Schoolmate
The court heard how 19-year-old Lethabo Mokonyane’s life was cut short in a violent confrontation on June 17, 2025. The Grade 11 student had just completed his midterm examinations when the unthinkable occurred near school property.
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Eyewitness accounts describe a horrifying scene where masked assailants ambushed Mokonyane as he prepared to board his school transport.
As details emerged about the multiple stab wounds that claimed Mokonyane’s life, local residents and grieving family members packed the courtroom. Many expressed concerns about persistent bullying within educational institutions, with some suggesting this might have played a role in the deadly altercation.
“Our children should feel safe when they go to learn,” remarked one visibly shaken community leader outside the courthouse.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The prosecution has signaled its intention to contest bail when the case resumes on July 7, 2025. With the matter classified under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the suspects face an uphill battle in their bail application.
Meanwhile, memorial services for the deceased student have drawn hundreds of mourners, all calling for meaningful action to prevent similar tragedies.
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A Nationwide Problem Comes Into Focus
This heartbreaking incident has reignited debates about youth violence across South Africa. Education experts and child psychologists emphasise the need for comprehensive anti-bullying programs and improved security protocols at schools. As the judicial process unfolds, many hope this case will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the education system.
The Mokonyane family has appealed for privacy during this difficult time while vowing to seek justice for their son. “We won’t rest until we see meaningful reforms that protect all students,” a family spokesperson told reporters.