A boy allegedly died from head injuries sustained during a school brawl in the Isithebe area, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday.
According to IPSS Medical Rescue, they responded to an incident at a high school in the Isithebe area after receiving reports of a boy struck on the head and left unconscious following a physical fight with another student.
However, upon arrival, IPSS Medical Rescue found that the boy had succumbed to his injuries. Local SAPS have taken over the scene and will investigate the matter further. The name of the school has not been made known at the time of reporting.
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” IPSS stated.
The incident occurred just days after the iLembe District Municipality launched the Boys to Men Programme 2026 on Friday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Secondary School, to close out Men’s Month and Mandela Month.
Organised alongside the Men’s Sector, the event focused on values, accountability, positive fatherhood, and rejecting violence.
At the event, District HIV/Aids coordinator Deon Malevu reminded learners of their true identity, urging them to leave behind weapons like guns and knives and walk away from the event as changed individuals.
The Mayor of iLembe District Municipality Councillor Thobani Shandu, delivered a hard-hitting message on choices and community responsibility. He challenged learners carrying weapons to school, warned against being used by failed adults to push drugs, and stressed that real success comes from education, not foolish conflict.
Reflecting on his own journey as a young district mayor, he reminded students that the government has created an enabling environment for them to achieve anything.
Pastor Nelson Mkhize of Father’s Matter addressed the critical impact of fatherhood, noting that 60% of South African children grow up without fathers, which correlates heavily with social ills like crime, bullying, and substance abuse. He emphasised that even amid unemployment, a father’s active, positive presence is invaluable.
The School Governing Body (SGB) Chairperson, Njabulo Mhlongo, urged learners to remember who they are, protect their futures, and choose friends who tell the truth rather than leading them astray.
Sipho Mkhize, KwaDukuza Municipality spokesperson, said,
“Contributions and guidance were also shared by representatives from SAPS KwaDukuza Crime Prevention as well as the departments of Social Development and Health, reinforcing a multi-sectoral approach to guiding our young men.”
