The National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) says it is concerned that schools are being turned into war zones.
This after a grade eight learner was stabbed allegedly by a fellow learner at Pholosho Secondary school in Alexandra township north of Johannesburg yesterday afternoon.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident at the school. Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi will visit the school today.
The association’s secretary Matakanye Matakanya has highlighted the importance of safety at schools.
“Schools are centres of learning where everybody should be free to go and know that a school is a safe haven where children are going to learn and know that it is not a place for bad behaviour,” says Matakanya.
Gauteng Education condemns the incident
Department spokesperson, Steve Mabona says the MEC will also visit the family of the deceased learner.
“The MEC has condemned this violent behaviour which led to the death of another learner allegedly by his peer. We really condemn this in the strongest possible terms. The SGB must investigate this incident and take necessary disciplinary action.”
“We have already summoned the psycho social unit team to offer necessary support to all those that are affected by this matter. The MEC conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of the learner and all those affected by this sad incident,” explains Mabona.
[MEDIA STATEMENT] Gauteng Education MEC @Lesufi strongly condemns the stabbing of a Grade 8 learner from Pholosho Secondary School in Alexandra allegedly by a fellow learner on Monday, 30 August 2021. pic.twitter.com/nCr8Br4BIh
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) August 30, 2021
Learner to appear in court
Meanwhile, the 15-year-old grade eight learner, who allegedly fatally stabbed a fellow learner is expected to appear in a local magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
The teenager handed himself over to police on Monday night.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo says the attack followed a fight on the school premises.
He says further investigations are continuing.
“The suspect arrived with his father on Monday evening at the Alexander police station and handed himself over to police. It is alleged that the suspect was fighting with other learners during break time on Monday.”
“He then returned to the classroom, returned with a sharp object and stabbed one of the learners. The stabbed learner was certified dead inside the school premises. The motive for the killing and what triggered the fight is still under investigation,” adds Masondo.
