School stabbing lands 13-year-old in Somerset West court

A 13-year-old learner has been released into a parent’s care after two Grade 8 learners were allegedly stabbed at a Somerset West school.

Two 14-year-old Grade 8 learners were taken to hospital after allegedly being stabbed at Helderberg High School in Somerset West.

Police said the 13-year-old learner allegedly confronted a group of four learners and is expected to appear in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk said two 14-year-old learners were stabbed and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

“The 13-year-old male was arrested for two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on Friday 23 October 2026,” van Wyk confirmed.

The suspect was later released into the care of his parent and is due to make his first court appearance on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The school, a private Christian-based institution, confirmed on Sunday that one learner had been expelled with immediate effect following the serious incident.

In a statement, management said it deeply regretted what had happened within its school community and that the safety and well-being of learners remained its immediate priority.

The school said counselling and support for learners would continue on Monday, adding that its code of conduct had been strictly applied and the matter was being handled by the relevant legal authorities.

“Out of respect for the privacy and dignity of the learners involved, who are minors, the school cannot comment on individual circumstances, personal information or details of any ongoing investigation,” the statement read.

Management said teaching would continue as learners prepared for their upcoming examinations, while urging parents to support the school in bringing the academic year to a successful close.

The school also appealed to the public to respect the privacy of those affected while the matter was being investigated.

​"Out of respect for the privacy and dignity of the learners involved, who are minors, the school cannot comment on individual circumstances, personal information or details of any ongoing investigation. The school can confirm that one learner has been expelled with immediate effect. "

Police are investigating two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The circumstances leading up to the alleged stabbing have not been disclosed.