"Very Sad to Lose a Son": Paul Roos Gymnasium Grade 9 Learner's Death Leaves SA in Grief

• Paul Roos Gymnasium announced the passing of a beloved Grade 9 day scholar Nico Caine on 17 September 2026
• The school shared the news on Facebook, asking the community to respect the Caine family's privacy during this difficult time
• Hundreds of South Africans responded with heartfelt condolences for the 15-year-old's family

Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch is mourning the loss of a young learner. The prestigious Western Cape school confirmed on 18 September 2026 that Nico Caine, a Grade 9 day scholar, passed away on Thursday evening. He was 15 years old, born on 21 March 2011.

The school shared the news in a Facebook post, expressing grief and extending its condolences to everyone who knew Nico. Paul Roos Gymnasium wrote:

"It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of our Grade 9 day scholars, Nico Caine, on Thursday evening. Our deepest condolences go to Nico's family and friends. We hold them, and all those who loved Nico, in our thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with this devastating loss."

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The school, Paul Roos Gymnasium, asked the broader community to give the family space to grieve. No details about the circumstances of Nico's death were disclosed. See the post by clicking here.

Mzansi mourns Paul Roos Gymnasium learner

Paul Roos Gymnasium is one of South Africa's oldest and most prominent boys' schools, founded in Stellenbosch. The loss of a learner so young has deeply shaken its community. Members of the public responded with an outpouring of sympathy on the school's Facebook post:

@Emma Gilmour Austen:

"My heart goes out to his parents and family. I'm so sorry for your loss."

@Michelle Meintjes:

"Thoughts and prayers with his family. RIP young man. 🙏"

@Lorraine Arnold shared an image with the words:

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. With Heartfelt Sympathy. My thoughts and love are with you all."

@Lorraine Ehlers wrote:

"RIP Nico ✝️ Our sincere sympathy to Nico's parents and relatives. It is very sad to lose a son 😭 Our prayers are with you."

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• Strand Secondary School in the Western Cape shared a poignant memorial Facebook post honouring Tapiwa, a Grade 11 learner who passed away on school premises.
• South African personality Wandile Dlamini posted an emotional video reacting to the murder of runner Elizabeth Moselakgomo, expressing deep grief upon learning she's survived by an 8-year-old child.
• Laerskool Baillie Park in Potchefstroom issued a sorrowful tribute following the death of young learner Jessica Enslin in a tragic accident that involved her father and brother.

Source: Briefly News