A 16-year-old accused of stabbing a six-year-old girl at an Umhlali school will remain at a youth facility until his bail application on Friday.
The teenager appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where the State opposed his release on bail.
KwaZulu-Natal NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the matter had been postponed to Friday for a bail application.
“The accused faces charges of attempted murder, housebreaking and trespassing. Following his appearance in the Child Justice Court, the matter was postponed to October 16 for a bail application.
“The State is opposed to bail. The accused will remain at a youth facility in the interim,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
The court appearance follows Tuesday morning’s incident in which the six-year-old girl was allegedly stabbed three times in her chest, stomach and arm inside a classroom.
The child was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but is now recovering well after undergoing surgery.
Samantha Meyrick, spokesperson for IPSS Medical Rescue, said the girl’s parents had confirmed that she was doing well and was expected to make a full recovery.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo said the teenager allegedly entered a classroom occupied by pupils and a teacher before locking the door and attacking the child.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested for intimidation in April this year,” Ngcobo said.
Meanwhile, the Rise Up Movement NPO has approached the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, calling on the State to oppose bail and seek the teenager’s continued detention in the interests of public safety.
The organisation’s founder, Josha Daniel, submitted a written application requesting that the suspect undergo a psychological assessment, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the latest incident warrant closer scrutiny.