Umhlali school stabbing: Teen accused of attacking six-year-old girl abandons bail

A 16-year-old boy, accused of attempted murder in the stabbing of a six-year-old girl at an Umhlali school, has forfeited his bail application and will remain at a youth facility while the investigation proceeds. The youth appeared before KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court for the second time on Friday, facing charges of housebreaking with intent to murder, attempted murder and trespassing.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when the teenager entered a classroom in the Umhlali area, north of Durban, locking pupils and the teacher inside. Allegedly, he then proceeded to stab the girl multiple times. Police confirmed that the suspect was apprehended on the scene and taken into custody. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal stated that the matter was adjourned to October 30 for further investigations.

The accused will continue to be held at a youth facility until his next court appearance. Notably, the teenager is not a first-time offender; he has also been charged with intimidation. Following the stabbing, private security firm IPSS Medical Rescue, which responded to the incident, reported that the girl was found in critical condition and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

Her family told IOL News that she underwent surgery and remains in the intensive care unit of a hospital. They requested privacy and expressed optimism that she would make a full recovery.