Parents of boy assaulted at HTS not happy with the handling of situation

Racial tension got the upper hand at the Technical High School earlier this week when parents and community members clashed.

The incident happened in front of the school’s gates when a group of parents and members of the community tried to enter the school’s premises to disrupt exams.

A group of concerned parents took a stance in front of the gates to protect learners and teachers.

The two groups clashed as emotions ran high and racist remarks were exchanged. Police had to intervene and tear-gas was fired to disperse the two groups.

The protesting crowd vandalised cars parked next to the road while they sang and danced up and down in Beyers Street.

The MEC of Education, Mr Bonakele Majuba tried to calm the mood and said the department is conducting an investigation.

“I am distraught by the unfolding scenario,” he said.

Classes have in the meantime been suspended until Monday, June 21. Mr Tius Cronje, chairman of the school’s governing body, said the learner’s safety is their first priority.

The run-up to the protest started on Tuesday, June 8 when the 16-year-old Janu Neveling was assaulted by four fellow learners. The reason for the assault was that Janu allegedly told a teacher that some learners bunked classes.

Janu’s mom, Ms Marlé Neveling on social media said that her son asked two teachers what he should do because he did not feel safe as he realised that he has been followed by a group of learners.

He was told to report the matter to the head of the grade. Before he could report the matter, he was assaulted during an off period.

“The way the school handled the situation, is very unacceptable. No medical help was given to Janu. I took Janu to a specialist, where it was discovered that he had a fractured cheekbone and his retina was torn. He also had soft tissue bruising,” Janu’s grandfather, Mr Fanie Etsebeth said.

He mentioned that a decision to operate on his eye will be taken this week.

The learners that allegedly assaulted Janu have been suspended until the school’s governing body and the school’s investigation are concluded.

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