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BREAKING NEWS: Matric Learner Stabbed to Death While Defending Mother in Sharpeville Sharpeville, Gauteng – A 20-year-old matric learner from Thuto Lore Engineering School of Specialisation was allegedly stabbed to death in Tshepiso, Sharpeville, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, while defending his mother during a confrontation with a church caretaker. Silas Kimba Mahlaba and his mother, Alina Puleng Mahlaba (39), were on their way to local shops when a drunk church caretaker began insulting her. When the caretaker struck her with a brick and her son questioned him, the man allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the learner once in the chest. The learner collapsed in front of a neighbour's yard and was rushed to a local clinic before being taken to Sebokeng Hospital, where he died on arrival. The family described Kimba as a respectful child who loved school and had high hopes of changing his family's situation. They have called for justice. Community members handed the suspect, a man in his 50s, over to Sharpeville police. Police spokesperson Sergeant Busisiwe Motsoeneng confirmed that a murder investigation is underway. This is a developing story, more updates to follow as verified information becomes available.