While the Free State Department of Education confirmed the decision allowing the suspected murderer of teacher Matefo Mphosela (35) to write his final Gr. 12 examinations, the Brandfort Magistrate’s Court has decided otherwise.
During his brief appearance on Monday (24/10), the court opposed the request made by suspect Simphiwe Mondli (20) to write these examinations.
According to the court, Mondli’s presence at the Kagisano Combined School in Soutpan could further traumatise other learners already distressed by the teacher’s death on Thursday (20/10).
Mondli is remanded in custody.
While the court’s decision is contrary to that of the provincial Department of Education, departmental spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the decision was in accordance with the rule of law in South Africa – stating that all persons charged with an offence shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The 26 other Gr. 12 learners in Mondli’s class will begin writing their final examinations on 31 October – the day on which he will be reappearing in court to hear the outcome of his bail application.
Mphosela taught Physical Sciences to this group of 27 learners at the school.
Mondli faces a charge of murder following Mphosela’s death after being stabbed with a knife. The incident reportedly happened on Thursday night at her house in the Ikgomotseng township.
The motive for the attack is unknown at this stage.
Mphosela’s death has sent shock waves throughout the township, which reportedly has a low crime rate.
According to the police, she succumbed to her injuries after being stabbed with a knife at about 21:00.
Lt. Col Thabo Covane said that, on arrival at the scene, police officers found the victim already in the ambulance that was taking her to the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
“According to a medical report, the victim died in the ambulance on the way to hospital. The deceased had one stab wound on the left side of her upper body,” said Covane.
According to the department, the slain teacher taught Physical Sciences to learners in Gr. 10 to Gr. 12, as well as Natural Sciences to Gr. 9 and Gr. 10 learners.
Nameng Sehloho, principal, said Mphosela had been an extremely hard-working and committed teacher, referring to the Gr. 12 results from the previous three years.
“In 2019 she gave us 85%, then 82% in 2020, and 84,2% last year in Physical Sciences,” he said.
Tate Makgoe, MEC for Education, lamented that Mphosela’s death would negatively impact the school and the education of Physical Science.
