Claims of gang violence surface at local school
With claims of serious gang violence between black and coloured learners, parents at General Piet Joubert School say fear for their children's safety at the school
POLOKWANE – With claims of serious gang violence between black and coloured learners, parents at General Piet Joubert School say fear for their children’s safety at the school.
This after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed thrice by a fellow learner last week. He was stabbed in his head, neck and arm during break.
The boy was rushed to the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital for treatment and a case was later opened at the Polokwane Police Station.
“I fear for my son’s life because we were told the boy who stabbed him was not expelled and is still at school. How do I send my child to a place where his life is being threatened and in danger?” his mother asked.
The principal did not want to speak on the matter and referred Review to the Department of Education for comment, however, a source at the school confirmed the suspect was not at school at present, but he had not been expelled.
“The school has reported the matter to the Department of Education. Further steps against the learner will be taken as soon as the school receives feedback from the department. The outcome of the court proceedings will also play a role in the school’s decision,” the source said.
However, Dr Naledzani Rasila, senior communication manager for the Department of Education, said the matter was not reported to the department.
“The department will investigate the matter and determine a way forward. During our investigations the department will also establish the presence of teachers, who are responsible for supervision over the children during break, at the time of the incident.”
Capt Ntobeng Phala, a Polokwane police spokesperson, confirmed a case of assault with grievous bodily harm is being investigated. “The suspect is a 14-year-old boy and was released into his parents’ custody.”
