LIMPOPO – Two learners of Nngweni Secondary School in Nzhelele sustained cuts to their hands and shoulders and one was in a critical condition after he was stabbed several times when a fight among suspected gang members broke out at school.
Participation in gang-related activities at the school is increasing, causing fear among teachers and learners. Many learners are also said to secretly be members of notorious gangs.
The chairperson of the school governing body, Joseph Mariba, said they had tried to find out why the two boys were fighting, but to no avail.
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Learners allegedly identify gangs as the leading cause of violence at the school. They added that bullying was the most common form of violence, while drug abuse was also increasing.
“We try our best to instill discipline among them, but these learners go astray every day.”
He added that communities should play a decisive role in curbing violence at schools.
“Violence disturbs school programmes and the goals and aspirations of the school end up not being achieved.”
Education spokesperson Mike Maringa said the two learners attend the same class.
“It is alleged that they brought a knife and an axe to school. The injured learners were taken to the nearest clinic and the matter was later referred to the police and an investigation was launched,” said Maringa.
Maringa said the department condemns acts of violence, bullying, corporal punishment and racism at schools.
Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya indicated that school violence is destructive and affects learning and teaching. The MEC went on to call on all stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to assist in ensuring that schools remain a place for learning.
“I am worried about the report of learners who stabbed each other with dangerous weapons that are not even permitted on our school premises,” said Lerule-Ramakhanya.
