Classes resume after schoolyard killing

CLASSES resumed at Ikhandlela Secondary School in eSikhaleni on Wednesday, a few days after a brutal schoolyard knife attack of two pupils.
Terrified learners who witnessed their schoolmate stabbed to death and another severely injured by another learner, are now back in class.
Learning finally resumed following an emotional community meeting on Sunday involving Department of Education (DoE) representatives, parents, learners and other youth organisations.
The gates were opened after agreement was reached that the school’s safety and security measures required immediate attention and that escalating learner-on-learner attacks had to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Parents raised their concerns regarding their children’s safety and suggested quick intervention to improve the school’s security.
‘A machine to scan for weapons is required and the department must also look into their security guards and hire professionals,’ a parent said.
Grade 12 learner Nqobani Ntuli (19) died and the second victim, Sanele Hlatshwayo (18), is still fighting for his life in hospital after Sphamandla Mngomezulu (19) stabbed them inside the school toilets last Wednesday at around 11am.
According to reports, the incident occurred after a confrontation over a schoolgirl’s stolen cellphone.
Department of Education call for unity
Department of Education King Cetshwayo District Director David Chonco requested parents, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and School Governing Body (SGB) to unite in fighting crime in schools.
‘We suggest police conduct random searches and ensure no learner enter the school with a weapon. These matters can be resolved when all structures work together with one common goal,’ he said.
‘The death of one learner is one too many, and we request parents to work with us and be involved in their children’s lives.’
Chonco said all pupils who witnessed the tragic incident will undergo counselling sessions.