By Thokozani Mazibuko
Tragedy struck the Ngcoseni community on the night of August 9, 2024, when a 20-year-old Form 5 pupil was fatally stabbed by his 18-year-old classmate in a bar at 23:50.
The devastating incident, which occurred at night, has left the school and the community in shock as they grapple with the tragic loss of a young life.
Reliable sources within the community have disclosed that the two students involved in the fatal altercation were classmates at Cana High School in Mankayane.
The motive behind the violent confrontation that ultimately led to the death of one of the pupils has been disclosed as a dispute over a girl, highlighting the tragic consequences of teenage rivalry and misplaced aggression.
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The accused classmate, also a Form 5 student at Cana High School, has been taken into custody as the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) investigated the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.
It should be noted that the shocking nature of the incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and swift justice for the victim, as well as a reevaluation of the factors that may have contributed to such a tragic outcome.
The REPS have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to justice for his actions and that the full weight of the law will be applied under the gravity of the crime.
“The investigation into the fatal stabbing is ongoing, with law enforcement officials working diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case against the accused,” Police Information and Communication Officer, Senior Superintendent, Phindile Vilakati has said.
Concerns as bar customers are pupils
The community of Ngcoseni in Mankayane, under the Ngwempisi Inkhundla, is gripped with concern as reports surface of school-going pupils being regular customers at a local bar.
Allegations have been made by community members that a significant portion of the bar’s clientele consists of young students, raising alarm about the potential negative impact on their well-being and behaviour.
Expressing deep worry over the situation, one community member voiced their distress, stating, “This bar is destroying the lives of our young people as our children indulge in alcohol through the night.”
The sentiment reflects a growing unease among residents of Ngcoseni regarding the influence of the bar on the behaviour and development of the youth in their community.
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The presence of school pupils in a drinking establishment has evoked concerns about underage drinking, exposure to harmful behaviours, and the risk of substance abuse among a vulnerable population.
The role of the bar in providing a space for young students to engage in activities not suitable for their age has raised questions about the establishment’s responsibility and the need for greater oversight.
Community members are calling for action to address the issue and safeguard the well-being of the school pupils who frequent the bar.
Concerns have been raised about the lack of supervision and enforcement of regulations that prohibit minors from accessing alcohol and being in establishments where such substances are consumed.
The potential consequences of school pupils spending their nights in a bar, instead of engaging in safe and productive activities, have sparked a sense of urgency within the community to protect their youth from harm and negative influences.
Calls for intervention and support mechanisms to redirect young students towards positive endeavours and away from harmful environments have been amplified in the wake of these revelations.
It is worth mentioning that the situation in Ngcoseni serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underage drinking and the role of establishments that cater to illicit behaviours among minors.
It underscores the need for vigilance, enforcement of regulations, and community engagement to address the root causes of such issues and prevent them from jeopardizing the health and development of the youth
