A 13-year-old boy was stabbed to death and another was sexually assaulted, allegedly by a 17-year-old boy, in Port Elizabeth on Friday, Eastern Cape police said.
Captain Sandra van Rensburg said a group of boys were on their way to Settlers Park Primary School when the teenager allegedly confronted them in a park.
The other boys scattered and ran away in different directions.
”He threatened the two boys with a knife and sexually assaulted one of them. After those two boys got away, the teenager then confronted another group of three boys. He stabbed one of them to death and took his cellphone,” Van Rensburg said.
The boys ran and were helped by a passer-by, who chased the teenager and made a citizen’s arrest.
”We are very grateful to this man who did not turn a blind eye and actually helped,” said Van Rensburg.
The 17-year-old was charged with murder, armed robbery and sexual assault, and would be taken to a juvenile facility.
Eastern Cape education minister Mahlubandile Qwase said this was an act of ”utter and despicable cowardice”.
”We are extremely grateful for the swift response of the member of community, and the police who were quickly on the scene,” he said. ”We wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.”
He also wished an emotional recovery to the other pupils who were affected, adding that the department would continue to offer support to all the affected families ”in this time of dire need”. — Sapa