'Learner blames Satan for murderous rampage’

An 18-year-old sword-wielding Krugersdorp pupil went on a rampage early this morning.

Satanism and drugs may have led to the wanton murder of a Johannesburg schoolboy early this morning. An 18-year-old sword-wielding Krugersdorp pupil went on the rampage early this morning.

He allegedly killed a fellow pupil, and injured three others. Wearing a balaclava, with his face painted black, the boy later said Satan had told him to do it.

Calm has been restored, but pupils at Nic Diedericks Technical High School will no doubt be haunted by this callous attack.

Before morning assembly, the school ground became a field of violence. A grade 12 learner, armed with a sword, slashed a grade nine pupil across the throat and in a blind rage of fury went on the warpath.

Pupils say the boy painted his face black, in imitation of musicians from American heavy metal band, Slipknot. The teenager reportedly told school staff that Satan had implored him to kill.

It is believed he attended school last Friday armed with a sword. The school's safety programme and procedures are now being questioned.

The Education Department confirmed the pupil was involved in satanic activity.

The boy is expected to appear in the Krugerdorp Magistrate's Court within the next 48 hours on charges of murder and assault to do grievous bodily harm.