POLOKWANE – A deadlock situation at Lethuli Combined School in Seshego yesterday spilled over into an attack at Laerskool Pietersburg Noord during which eight learners were assaulted.
According to principal Attie Visagie, a bus full of learners, as well as adults arrived in a bus marked in the signage of Lethuli Park Combined School, and stormed into the school yard.
“They ran through the administration offices and school and toyi-toyi’ed, throwing chairs all over.”
He confirmed that eight learners from Noordskool were attacked. Staff acted immediately by locking classroom doors and chasing intruders off the premises.
Earlier this week, the Lethuli School Governing Body, headed by Clifford Mohloana, showed up at Lethuli in ANC and Sasco wear during an oversight visit from the DA. According to DA provincial leader Jacques Smalle, Mohloana added to an already hostile situation by confronting and chasing off the school premises one of the school’s HOD’s. According to Smalle, Mohloana defied the education MEC, Ismael Kgetjepe, when he was contacted to intervene in the situation.
Learners at Lethuli have for some time not been attending school or receiving classes.
Yesterday, Mohloana posted the following message on Facebook: Today laër skool pietersberg was brought to a stand-still by luthuli school kids. discomfort anywhere threatens comfort everywhere. An injury to 1 is an injury to all. (sic)
He has been vocal on social media, saying the DA will not use “their base to establish a school in our area”, and claiming to have support from the MEC.
Meanwhile, Visagie thanked all those who supported Noordskool, saying the principal and staff would do everything in their power to protect learners at the school.
She said the police are looking into the situation.
Noordskool will have a press conference at 12:00. More information will follow.
Mohloana could not immediately be reached for comment.
