Teen arrested after six-year-old girl stabbed at Umhlali school

A six-year-old girl is in critical condition after she was allegedly stabbed multiple times inside a classroom at a school in Umhlali on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on Tuesday morning.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and faces charges of attempted murder and assault, according to KwaZulu-Natal police.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo said the teenager allegedly entered a classroom occupied by learners and an educator before locking the door and attacking the young girl.

“It is alleged that the teenager entered a classroom occupied by learners and an educator, locked the door and stabbed a six-year-old girl multiple times before attempting to flee the scene,” Ngcobo said.

Girl rushed to specialist medical facility

IPSS Medical Rescue said its paramedics responded after receiving reports that a young girl had been stabbed inside her classroom at a local church.

According to spokesperson Samantha Meyrick, the child sustained multiple stab wounds and was in a critical condition when emergency teams treated her.

She was transported to a specialist medical facility under the care of IPSS Advanced Life Support paramedics.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of children in learning environments.

Teen remains in police custody

Ngcobo said the suspect was arrested by members of the South African Police Service at Umhlali and remains in custody.

He is expected to appear before the KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court.

A preliminary police investigation found that the teenager had previously been arrested on an intimidation charge in April 2026.

Meyrick also said the suspect was allegedly linked to previous incidents involving security officers and a bomb scare at local shopping malls.

The circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s stabbing remain under investigation. The allegations against the teenager have not yet been tested in court.

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Source: The Citizen