A recent fatal stabbing of a Western Cape learner has sent shockwaves after it was revealed why he was killed by a friend.
According to Women for Change, Zanton Basson (17), a Rocklands High learner, was fatally stabbed by a friend last month at Westgate Mall in Mitchells Plain.
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“It is alleged that an argument broke out between the two after Zanton corrected his friend for being rude to an elderly person. His friend then turned and stabbed him in the chest.”
The Western Cape learner was rushed to Melomed Hospital, where he was stabilized, but his condition deteriorated and he died the next day. His mom Monette, 34, says her son was rushed to Mitchells Plain Melomed where he was stabilised before moved to Gatesville Melomed.
“They said he was lucky as the knife missed his heart and I sat with him,” Monette says.
“He said: ‘Mommy I am only going to be in hospital for a week and then I am going to write my exam’.
“In a minute everything changed and he just started slipping,” she adds.
“The staff tried to resuscitate him for an hour but he did not make it and he died three minutes before 1am on Saturday.”
His friend, (22) was later arrested and sent to Pollsmoor Prison after appearing in Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court.
Nigel Pelston, the principal of the school, paid tribute to the pupil. “It is with sadness that this 17-year-old young man’s young life had to be cut short so suddenly and so cruelly on Friday 18 November 2022.
“This tragic news undoubtedly changed our lives forever. His loving family, his classmates, the staff, his friends and all who were touched by his life, not forgetting the broader community. We are all devastated by his tragic loss,” Pelston said.
“On Sunday,20 November 2022 we gathered at school to try and process this horror. The number of red, teary eyes, learners, parents and teachers hugging and comforting each other and noticeably his classmates sitting with their hands struggling to control their emotions was just a small indication of the significant influence Zandton had on our lives,” he explained.
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He added: “Zanton was a true Rocklands High school boy. Of his endearing qualities was his gentle disposition. Always affable when engaging others.
“A magnanimous heart. He greeted every teacher he walked passed and always had a smile on his face. In my understanding, he brought liveliness to class conversations, and his positivity and warm presence had a remarkable effect on all who came into contact with him.
“He truly embodied the Rocklands High spirit of passion. The school nor his class will never be the same again. His young life, cut down suddenly, has left a void which his precious memory will have to fill. He will never be forgotten. His memory will live in the shattered hearts of all that are overwhelmed with sadness”.
His grandmother said the Grade 11 pupil from Rocklands High had recently obtained a spot on the Junior City Council and was earmarked as the next head boy.