De Doorns school mourns learner killed in truck incident after matric ball

On October 8, 2026, a tragic incident occurred at Hexvallei Secondary School in De Doorns, South Africa, when a 14-year-old learner named Frederico Konstabel lost his life. The young boy was a Grade 9 student at the school, and his death took place on the evening of a matric ball.

According to reports, Frederico was allegedly clinging to a truck as it was departing the school grounds after the matric ball. In a desperate attempt to stay on the vehicle, he fell beneath the moving wheels of the truck, resulting in his fatal injuries. Police have confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.

Hexvallei Secondary School released a heartfelt statement expressing the profound grief that the school community is experiencing following this devastating loss. The school acknowledged that words are insufficient to convey the sadness that this unimaginable tragedy has brought upon everyone involved. They emphasized the immense void that has been left in the lives of Frederico's family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him during his short life.

The tragic passing of Frederico comes in the wake of another heartbreaking event at the school just weeks earlier. Granim Adonis, another learner, had passed away under unknown circumstances on Heritage Day. In response to the double tragedy, the school announced that a joint memorial service would be held on Tuesday to honor the lives of both Frederico and Granim. The school community has come together to remember these two young lives and to support each other during this difficult period.