By Lungile Ntimba
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has condemned the recent incidents of gang-related violence that have affected Thetha Secondary School and Vulanindlela Secondary School, in Orange Farm.
“We call on all parents, guardians and community members to work with the Department to instil discipline and support efforts to protect the future of our learners. Our learners deserve an environment free from fear and violence,” Chiloane said in a statement on Wednesday.
This comes after a Grade 11 learner from Vulanindlela Secondary School was stabbed and rushed to the clinic on Wednesday morning, after an altercation with other learners.
A Grade 10 perpetrator was apprehended by school patrollers and is currently in police custody.
In a separate incident at Thetha Secondary School, a series of events was triggered by a stabbing incident in the community on Friday, involving a learner and a known gang member.
The department said this appeared to be an act of retaliation, with gang members targeting the same learner at the school premises on Monday morning.
“No fatalities of school learners who may have been involved in both incidents were reported,” said the MEC.
“However, the department is working closely with law enforcement agencies to verify all reported incidents and suspects to ensure the safety of all learners and educators.”
Schooling has been disrupted in the area due to the heightened tensions and ongoing safety concerns.
Chilone said the department and the SA Police Service have taken steps to stabilise the situation by increasing police visibility.
Employee wellness and psychosocial support teams have been deployed to provide necessary support to learners and educators affected by these incidents.
The MEC also said that the governing bodies of both schools would suspend and initiate disciplinary processes against identified learners.
Pupils have been encouraged to return to class as police have committed to patrolling their schools.
“Indeed, we unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and gang-related activity on and around school premises. We are committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe spaces for learning and development,” Chiloane said.
“Any learner found to be involved in gang-related violence will be suspended with immediate effect and subjected to formal disciplinary proceedings.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
