The Alex police are investigating a case of assault on a 16-year-old schoolboy by schoolmates calling themselves the Corruption Gang.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Allie Kodisang said the incident reported by the victim’s granny happened at 5.30pm on 6 February. The gang – claimed to be pupils of Minerva Secondary School – allegedly beat the victim all over his body with sticks and he was treated at the Alex Clinic.
The incident occurred when the victim was walking home from school. The gang shouted at him to stop but he refused; they allegedly chased him and beat him. No arrest was reported.
Kodisang said they monitor the school and its feeder, Pholosho Junior Secondary School every morning and afternoon after reports by parents of bullying of their children by some pupils at the two schools.
“Also, as at other schools, we conduct searches regularly to maintain order, discourage possession of dangerous weapons and any illegal items. The problem requires parental involvement as the gang or gangs may be a bigger threat to the community, especially on weekends,” Kodisang stressed.
The school principal, Nontsikelelo Tsatsi, who reluctantly commented citing departmental protocol, confirmed hearing about the gang said to comprise pupils from several schools.
Tsatsi said they appealed to parents at the beginning of the year to instil discipline in their children at home and all pupils were informed of the school policy on conduct and bullying.
“Those who transgress are punished appropriately with the parents’ knowledge. This is a societal problem requiring collective attention by residents, schools, police and other community institutions,” she said.
Pholosho principal, Dingaan Kubheka said they have asked for police visibility in the morning and after school to discourage the gang/s but more support was needed to stop gang-related incidents in the community before some children are seriously harmed or killed.
Beauty More, community activist at the nearby Thusong Youth Centre said the problem was concerning and long-standing. “Gangs from the two schools often beat up innocent children in public view as they walk home. Recently, a taxi driver rescued a child who was beaten with sticks and fists by a mob and had to be taken for treatment at the Alex Clinic.”
Concerns about school gangs and the youth’s and children’s criminal conduct in the township were highlighted recently in the article, Crime Indaba, Week ending 24 February.
Details: Alex Police Station 011 431 7600.
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WhatsApp your experience of school gangs on 079 439 5345.
