Pretoria School Pupils Accused Of Killing Classmate Granted Bail Under Strict Conditions

Two Lesedi Secondary School pupils accused of murdering their classmate, 19-year-old Lethabo Mokonyane, have been released on bail with strict conditions.

The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court granted 20-year-old Grade 12 learner Mlehalinye Montasi bail of R6,000 and 19-year-old Grade 10 learner Kgotlhello Mathabathe bail of R3,000. Both face charges of premeditated murder following the fatal stabbing on 17 June 2025.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the accused applied for bail to continue with their schooling.

“Prosecutor Karabo Sebela opposed bail, arguing that Montasi is in the country illegally and therefore poses a flight risk,” Mahanjana explained. “She further submitted that both accused are known to the witnesses and may interfere with them.”

The magistrate granted bail but ordered the accused to comply with strict conditions, including attending all court proceedings, avoiding witness interference, and adhering to correctional supervision rules. The case has been postponed to 10 October 2025.

How the Fatal Attack on Lethabo Mokonyane Unfolded

On the day of the incident, Mokonyane had just finished writing exams at Lesedi Secondary School in Donkerhoek, Pretoria.

According to Mahanjana, the victim was confronted by the two accused as he left the school premises. “One of the accused persons apprehended him while the other stabbed him with a sharp object twice in the stomach and on his back,” she said.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane linked the killing to unchecked bullying at the school. He criticised the school’s management, saying they failed to act after earlier violent clashes between the same pupils.

“The two learners fought initially, and then the parents were called in, and it was a very bad fight, the way weapons were used. And at that point, the school was supposed to have immediately suspended both of the learners and immediately enforced the code of conduct, and they did not do that. And these are the dangers when you don’t enforce laws,” Chiloane said.

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The Mokonyane family has urged authorities to take stronger action against bullying in schools.

Family spokesperson Shelly Mokonyane expressed the family’s grief and frustration:
“As a result of bullying, Lethabo is gone, and who is next? My message to the children is that when they have differences, they must involve the teachers instead of fighting.”

The tragic death has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of school codes of conduct and stronger interventions to prevent violence among learners.

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