The Gauteng Department of Education has suspended 19 learners from West Ridge High School and Hoërskool Roodepoort following a violent clash which left the Principal stabbed on her hand and three learners suffering serious injuries.
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.
GAUTENG EDUCATION SUSPENDS LEARNERS INVOLVED IN HOËRSKOOL ROODEPOORT CLASH
The South African previously reported that 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.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the Principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort was stabbed while trying to destabilise the situation, and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, she has since been discharged.
Furthermore, three learners from Hoërskool Roodepoort sustained serious injuries.
On Wednesday, 20 August, Mabona told eNCA that they had served at least 19 learners with letters of suspension, and they will not be in school for the next seven days.
Mabona said they have already informed and interacted with some parents regarding the incident.
“We just need to make sure that the disciplinary hearing sits. The hearing will assist us with the finer details of what led to the violent act,” he 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.
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