“Initial investigations found that the suspect bought the weapons online. He had the weapons for some time,” Shazeli told reporters at a press conference.

Shazeli said police were still trying to determine where he had purchased the weapons.

“We are still identifying which platform was used,” he said, adding that the seized weapons comprised a knife and a kerambit, a small curved knife.

He said that to date, police had recorded statements from 57 witnesses including students, family members, and teachers.

The 16-year-old student died after being stabbed multiple times. The weapons were subsequently confiscated.

Shazeli said preliminary investigations also showed the suspect and the victim did not have any prior relationship or interactions before the incident.

“It is believed that emotional factors and social media are among the reasons for the suspect’s behaviour,” he said.

When asked if the suspect’s actions were driven by feelings of affection towards the victim, Shazeli said this was still being investigated.

“That is still under investigation, as there is no clear information yet on the emotional situation,” he said.

Shazeli said the post-mortem determined the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds, but added the exact number of injuries would be confirmed once the full report is finalised.