The family of Cebo Biyela, an 18-year-old Grade 10 pupil from Musi High School in Pimville, Soweto, is reeling after his brutal death following an alleged altercation with students from the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The incident has left the local community in shock and mourning, as disturbing details continue to emerge.
Cebo was killed on Tuesday afternoon after a confrontation erupted between school pupils and a group of UJ students. The conflict began when the university students reportedly harassed school learners on their way home, forcibly taking their beanies. According to eyewitnesses, the UJ students had been drinking earlier at Makentshe student accommodation in Power Park before moving outside after being removed from the premises.
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Ward committee member Scebiso Masondo reported that the students then attempted to board a school bus that was dropping off learners, demanding a ride to a nearby tavern. During the encounter, they allegedly provoked the pupils, grabbing some of their beanies. The bus driver managed to remove the students from the bus and continued the journey.
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However, a few learners, determined to retrieve their stolen belongings, got off the bus about 3 kilometers away and went back to confront the students. That’s when the situation turned deadly. Masondo recounted the horror: “That’s when this boy, Cebo, was beaten with a baseball bat, hit with beer bottles, stabbed, and his throat slit.”
Cebo’s father, Bernard Biyela, described the anguish of informing his son’s mother. “Telling her about his death was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” he said. “I couldn’t bring myself to describe how I found him. I just told her he was killed on his way back from school.”
Biyela described the horrific condition in which he found his son’s body — covered in blood, with bruises, multiple stab wounds, and a slit throat. “As a family, we are torn apart. Cebo was a quiet boy. We never had any trouble with him.”
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One suspect was apprehended on-site by the caretaker of the student accommodation and handed over to traffic officers. Police later confirmed that two suspects, aged 19 and 24, have been arrested and are expected to appear in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court soon. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Police spokesperson Major-General Nonhlanhla Kubheka confirmed the murder charges and said investigations are ongoing.
Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Department of Education, extended condolences to Cebo’s family and the school community. “We are deeply saddened by this senseless loss.”
UJ spokesperson Lebogang Seale confirmed that two of their students were involved but emphasized the university’s condemnation of violence. “The incident occurred off-campus, and UJ strongly condemns any acts of violence and intimidation.”
The tragic death of Cebo Biyela has sparked renewed concerns over student behavior, safety in school zones, and alcohol abuse near educational institutions.
