A 14-year-old boy was killed after allegedly clinging to a truck as it left a De Doorns school following a matric ball, falling beneath the vehicle and being crushed on Thursday evening.
Frederico Konstabel, a Grade 9 learner at Hexvallei Secondary School, died at the school in Glenco Way on October 8, 2026.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that De Doorns police had opened a culpable homicide case. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, and no arrests have been made.
Learner falls beneath truck
According to information received, a matriculant arrived at the school’s matric ball in a truck.
When the truck was leaving, children allegedly began hanging onto the vehicle despite being warned to get off.
Konstabel reportedly lost his grip and fell beneath a wheel of the truck, which was moving slowly as the driver was reportedly surrounded by children.
School mourns second learner
In a heartbreaking statement, Hexvallei Secondary School paid tribute to the young learner, saying his sudden death had left the school community devastated.
“Words are not enough to describe the sadness of this unimaginable loss,” the school said.
“The passing of a young life leaves an emptiness that cannot easily be filled. Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts and prayers are with Frederico’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him during this extremely difficult time.”
The tragedy comes just weeks after the school mourned another learner, Granim Adonis, who died under unknown circumstances on Heritage Day.
The school announced on Sunday that it would hold a joint memorial service for both learners on Tuesday.
The school community will gather to remember the two boys and honour their lives, while keeping their families and loved ones in its thoughts during this difficult time.