Murder-accused teen appears in court

FIGHT: Fifteen-year-old Khanyisani "Pollycat" Mnqayi was stabbed at his school on Tuesday and died in hospital.

FIGHT: Fifteen-year-old Khanyisani "Pollycat" Mnqayi was stabbed at his school on Tuesday and died in hospital.

Published Nov 23, 2012

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Durban - The 16-year-old Wentworth boy accused of fatally stabbing a fellow-pupil is still recovering in hospital, but appeared in absentia in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on a charge of murder.

Fifteen-year-old Khanyisani “Pollycat” Mnqayi and the 16-year-old accused were allegedly involved in a fight in the playground at Fairvale Secondary School in Wentworth on Tuesday.

Witnesses said the fight, which started with slapping before knives were allegedly drawn, took place during the tea break just before an exam and in front of other children.

Both boys were taken to Wentworth Hospital, where Khanyisani died.

The pupils and parents had raised concerns about the fight being gang-related.

Ward councillor Aubrey Snyman has said youngsters involved in gangs was an on-going problem.

Police spokesman, Colonel Vincent Mdunge, said the teen, who was initially under police guard, was handed over into his parents’ care but was still recovering in hospital. He was stabbed in the chest.

Khanyisani was stabbed three times in the chest and once in the arm.

Friends of the pupils have been forwarding broadcast messages over BlackBerry Messenger, talking about putting a stop to violence in schools.

Khanyisani’s funeral is expected to take place next Saturday. - Daily News

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