Free State Teacher Allegedly Stabbed by Grade 11 Learner at Her Home, South Africans Voice Concern
- A 62-year-old teacher from Teto Secondary School in Welkom was stabbed multiple times at her home on 23 September 2026
- A Grade 11 learner from the same school was allegedly hiding inside her residence before carrying out the attack
- South Africans have weighed in on the brazen attack, sharing concern over the safety of teachers and the attitude of learners
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
FREE STATE — A 62-year-old teacher is recovering in hospital after she was allegedly stabbed several times by a learner at her private residence in Dagbreek, Welkom.
The teacher, employed at Teto Secondary School in Thabong, sustained stab wounds to her head and hands on 23 September 2026. According to the Free State Department of Education, a Grade 11 learner from the same school allegedly concealed himself inside her home before attacking her with a sharp object.
Read also
KwaMakhutha mass shooting death toll hits 12 as South Africans question the violence in KZN
MEC condemns 'cowardly and barbaric' attack
Free State Education MEC Mamiki Maboya spoke out strongly against the incident, describing it as an assault not only on an individual but on the broader education system.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"We are appalled and deeply saddened by this cowardly and barbaric attack on one of our most seasoned educators — a mother and grandmother who has given almost four decades of her life to shaping the future of this province," Maboya said.
She added that the attack carried wider consequences:
"An attack on an educator is an attack on the entire education system and on the future of our children."
The South African Police Service has opened a criminal case and is currently investigating. The department confirmed that the alleged perpetrator's identity will remain undisclosed for the duration of the investigation.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users reacted with alarm to the news.
@Beatrice Leon wrote:
"If you are old enough to go to the teacher's house to stab her, it is premeditated. You planned to kill her. Off to jail you go."
@Kika Masentle Silva said:
"Oh my gosh. That's my high school. Wishing her a speedy recovery."
@Sandile Orlidando Papai added:
"Even school kids are killers in South Africa."
Belina Legae asked:
"DBE, what are you saying about our brothers and sisters who are bullied by learners?"
Selly Selly said:
"He must never be allowed again at any other school. He intended to kill the teacher. No one was forcing him to go to school. Why did he take it out on the teacher? Straight to prison, no bail."
Other stories about teachers being attacked
- A viral video allegedly showing a UFS student teacher being assaulted by a learner and his parents sparked outrage.
- Police in Botshabelo near Bloemfontein arrested a schoolgirl and her parents for allegedly assaulting a teacher.
- A teacher in the North West was in critical condition in hospital after being stabbed multiple times in 2021.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
