16-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Six-Year-Old Girl Multiple Times at School in KZN

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a six-year-old girl multiple times inside a classroom at a private pre-primary school in Umhlali, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, leaving the young girl with serious injuries to her chest, stomach and arm. She was transported to hospital for emergency treatment and is reportedly fighting for her life.

According to IPSS Medical Rescue, the teenage suspect allegedly entered the school through a rear section of the premises before making his way into a classroom where young learners and an educator were present.

Samantha Meyrick of IPSS Medical Rescue said the situation became frightening when the suspect allegedly locked himself inside the classroom with the children. When teachers attempted to force the door open, the teenager allegedly seized the six-year-old girl and stabbed her three times.

The weapon used in the attack was reportedly a large, homemade shank.

The incident has left the school community deeply distressed, particularly because of the young age of the children who witnessed the frightening events.

“Everyone is rightfully traumatised,” Meyrick said.

She also explained that the institution was a private school designed to provide early education to young children and that the teenager was not authorised to be on the premises.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that the 16-year-old had been arrested in connection with charges of attempted murder and assault.

According to preliminary police information, the suspect allegedly entered the classroom, locked the door and attacked the young girl before attempting to flee. Police officers subsequently apprehended him at the scene.

Ngcobo further revealed that the teenager had previously been arrested in April 2026 on an intimidation-related allegation.

He remains in police custody and is expected to appear before the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court.

Meyrick also alleged that the teenager had been involved in earlier incidents involving security personnel and a bomb scare at shopping malls in the surrounding area. However, these claims remain separate from the charges currently being investigated by police.

Authorities are expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack as the community awaits further information about the child’s condition and the legal proceedings against the suspect.

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