Two suspects are expected to appear in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court following the violent death of 18-year-old Cebo Biyela, a Grade 10 learner from Musi High School in Pimville.
Two suspects set to appear in court for murder of Cebo Biyela
The teen was brutally attacked and killed during an altercation that reportedly involved students from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), on Tuesday, 7 May 2025.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the conflict began after school hours when a group of UJ students allegedly harassed learners from Musi High who were travelling home on a school bus.
The students, believed to have been drinking at the Makentshe student accommodation in Power Park, were reportedly asked to leave the residence and later confronted the pupils on the bus.
It is alleged that the UJ students began taunting and provoking the schoolchildren, including snatching their beanies. The bus driver intervened and removed the university students from the vehicle before driving off.
However, some of the pupils later returned to the area to retrieve their beanies, and that is when the situation turned deadly.
Police spokesperson Major-General Nonhlanhla Kubheka confirmed that Cebo Biyela was beaten with a baseball bat, struck with empty beer bottles, stabbed, and had his throat slit during the confrontation.
“Two suspects, aged 19 and 24, will appear at the Lenasia magistrate’s court soon to face a charge of murder,” said Kubheka.
“The motive behind the incident is not yet known. Police investigations are continuing.”
The caretaker of the student residence managed to detain one of the suspects at the scene and handed him over to authorities.
The University of Johannesburg has acknowledged the arrest of its students and expressed deep concern over the incident. “The incident happened off campus at a privately-owned student accommodation in the township,” said UJ spokesperson Lebogang Seale.
“UJ wishes to state on record that it condemns in the strongest terms possible any acts of violence and intimidation.”
The Gauteng Department of Education has also responded to the tragedy, with spokesperson Steve Mabona stating, “We extend our deepest condolences to the learner’s family and the school community at large during this difficult period.”