Diversity launches investigations into student ‘war’
Hundreds of students took to the streets to sort out a dispute between two groups.
DIVERSITY High School has issued a statement after a ‘war-like’ scene erupted near the school two weeks ago on August 3.
Hundreds of students took to the streets to sort out a dispute between two groups.
Student Governing Body chairman Bernard Michaels said the school had noted the incident between two groups, and seven students were found to be linked to the disorder.
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“We can confirm there is an ongoing investigation with disciplinary action to be taken,” Michaels said.
Asked what the findings were about the fight, he said there were students taking videos while the two groups were fighting which may have fuelled the situation. He also mentioned that statements were taken and an internal investigation was underway.
A resident takes footage of students on a rampage:
Michaels further said although the disruption happened outside the school’s premises, the students had brought the school’s reputation into disrepute and disciplinary processes would be followed.
He said it was very important to establish the root of the problem and how to deal with the matter constructively.
“Violence should not be the [first] resort,” he said.
The fight broke out two weeks ago when two groups of pupils butted heads to solve an issue alleged to be a cellphone matter.
Resident Josh Evans said he heard a commotion outside his house, which is situated near the school, where hundreds of students were out of control.
Evans said he ran to break up the fight and a teacher was assaulted as well. He said: “We need the Education MEC because police, ward councillors cannot see this issue for what it is. It is out of hand.” He describe the fights as a stampede and also told the COURIER of another fight involving knives which broke out the next day.
Angry mob students declare war:
He mentioned a silver Polo which he saw stopping among hundreds of students and out of which three women stepped with sjamboks to assault another learner.
This was confirmed by the victim’s mother – who asked to remain anonymous. She said a parent and daughter assaulted her daughter unnecessarily.
Questioned on what the Polo ladies wanted or why they assaulted her daughter, she said she was unclear on the exact details.
She, however, claimed the women wanted to abduct her daughter after assaulting her.
One of the students, whose name is withheld to protect their identity, said the fight was because of a stolen phone. The student said the fight did not start on that day (August 3) but a few days before.
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