A protest was held outside Greenpoint High School on Thursday, where tyres were set alight, following an incident during which a pupil was stabbed in the head by a group of attackers who were armed with knives and pangas.
A PROTEST was held outside Greenpoint High School yesterday where tyres were set alight following an incident during which a pupil was stabbed in the head by a group of attackers who were armed with knives and pangas.
Parents complained that no action was being taken to address incidents of gangsterism and violence at the school.
They stated that the pupil was still in hospital receiving medical treatment following the stabbing incident.
“A Grade 8 and Grade 9 pupil were apparently attacked by gang members who do not attend the same school, in front of the school. One of the boys managed to run away and escaped unharmed while the other pupil was cornered.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the police were monitoring the situation after parents and community members apparently set tyres alight outside the school.
“The police attended to the scene and diffused a protest in front of the school following complaints of recent fights among pupils. A meeting was held on Thursday (yesterday) morning with the police and other relevant role-players to discuss the way forward,” said Kock.
“No cases have been registered with the police yet.”
Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe expressed concern about the safety of the general community and particularly pupils in Greenpoint.
“Incidents of violence,which relate to gangsterism and community safety, continue to spill over into the school and interrupt schooling. Although these incidents occur outside the school premises and over weekends, they involve pupils and in turn affect the day-to-day running of the school,” said Van der Merwe.
He added that the department held several engagements with the parents, the school governing body, management of the school, community-based organisations and the SAPS to address the matter.
“The department and the school cannot take responsibility for criminal activities that occur in our communities outside the school premises. Schools are a microcosm of society and reflect what is happening in our community. The school community must take hands with the SAPS to address the social ills and community safety challenges in Greenpoint.”
Van der Merwe said that the department will not tolerate criminal behaviour involving any pupil or staff member on school premises.
“We call upon all stakeholders to help protect our schools as safe spaces for learning and teaching.”
He indicated that the district office would convene a community meeting with all relevant stakeholders on Sunday.
