Grief as teen stabs classmate to death

Shock and grief have gripped residents of Mzimba Boma following the death of a Standard Six boy, Hastings Kasoni, 15, who was stabbed by a classmate at Kaphuta Primary School.

The incident happened at the school on Wednesday morning in full view of other learners and the teacher Annie Chisi.

In an interview yesterday at Kasoni’s funeral, a sobbing Chisi said the events were traumatising to everyone.

She said: “I asked the class to mention who had written on the chalkboard with wet pieces of chalk. After the suspect mentioned Kasoni, a fight ensued between them.

“The other learners intervened and we proceeded with lessons. However, minutes later, I heard the class shouting, ‘teacher he has brought a knife and a stone!’ When I turned, I saw Kasoni stabbed in the chest, lying in a pool of blood…”

Chisi said the victim was rushed to Mzimba District Hospital where he died while receiving treatment.

She said: “There are no classes today [yesterday]. We are attending Kasoni’s funeral and the learners are scared.”

Loti Kasoni, Hastings’ father, said he is now lonely as the boy was the only child after the deaths of his other two children.

He said: “My son was not a trouble maker. He was quiet. I am devastated. Only God knows.”

Mzimba Police Station spokesperson Peter Botha said the suspect will answer a murder charge.

Kasoni came from Kanawani Village, Traditional Authority Champiti in Ntcheu.