Biyela’s family calls for calm amid probe into his killing

The family of 18-year-old Simphiwe Biyela, a Musi High School pupil who was fatally stabbed on Tuesday, has called for calm as tensions continue to rise in Pimville.

It is alleged that Biyela was attacked by students from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) during an altercation.

He was battered with a baseball bat and stabbed with a shattered bottle while on his way home.

The young boy’s body was found at a soccer ground in Kliptown.

Earlier this week, scores of aggrieved learners took to the streets demanding justice for Biyela. The protests spread to two other schools in the area, where students left their classrooms and marched to the UJ Soweto Campus.

Biyela’s aunt, Thandiwe Mpanza, acknowledged the learners’ frustration but urged them to allow law enforcement to carry out their investigation.

“The school children are really hurt because this is someone they were with everyday of their lives and looking at the way he died, they are bound to be hurt.”

“We plead with them to calm down as we have faith that the justice system will not fail us.”

Mpanza says it is deeply disappointing to know that their child was attacked by individuals who, as elders, were expected to protect him.

Two suspects aged 19 and 24 appeared before the Lenasia Magistrates’ Court today, where the matter was postponed for an identity parade to be conducted.

It is reported that two other UJ students believed to be involved remain at large.

The case will return to court on Thursday.