The Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane has condemned violent clashes between learners from West Ridge High School and Hoërskool Roodepoort, which left the Principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort stabbed on her hand while attempting to defuse tensions.
The incident happened on Monday, 18 August, following an earlier altercation between learners from the two schools on Friday, 15 August, which was circulated on social media.
PRINCIPAL STABBED DURING LEARNERS’ VIOLENT CLASH
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said on Monday, 18 August, the situation escalated when a group of West Ridge learners, allegedly seeking revenge, went to Hoërskool Roodepoort where they attacked learners and pelted cars with stones.
Mabona said the Principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort was stabbed while trying to destabilise the situation, and was rushed to hospital for treatment. She has since been discharged.
Furthermore, three learners from Hoërskool Roodepoort sustained serious injuries and are receiving the necessary medical care.
“About six Grade 12 boy learners from West Ridge High School have been identified and will be served suspension letters today on Tuesday, 19 August , suspending them from school for seven days, pending their appearance before a disciplinary committee. Further suspensions may be effected as the verification of evidence continues.
“Our psycho-social support team and employee wellness will visit both schools to provide necessary support,” Mabona said.
MEC BEMOANS VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS
Reacting to the incident, MEC Matome Chiloane said it is completely unacceptable that such violence has spilled into schools, where the safety of both learners and educators has now been compromised.
Chiloane said it is even more disturbing that a principal, in her efforts to protect learners, was stabbed in the process.
“We will not allow violence and intimidation to take root in our schools, law enforcement must ensure that perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions. Our schools must remain centres of safety, learning, and growth, not battlegrounds,” he said.
To enhance security, the Department has engaged SAPS Roodepoort to support both schools and requested them to conduct unannounced search-and-seizure operations.
WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF BOTH LEARNERS AND TEACHERS IN SCHOOL?
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