A Minerva Secondary School learner was stabbed three times and rushed to hospital on Monday in an incident believed to be linked to gangsterism in Alexandra.

According to Community Policing Forum (CPF) spokesperson Chris Mabunda, a group of intruders, believed to include boys from other schools in Alexandra, camped outside Minerva Secondary until lunchtime when learners were exiting their classes. They then allegedly jumped over the school wall and onto the premises, before attacking a group of learners.

Read more: Minerva Secondary School principal aims to sustain historic 97% matric pass rate

Mabunda said that most of the targeted learners, mainly in grades 10 and 11, managed to flee back into their classrooms for safety. However, the attackers caught a 16-year-old learner and allegedly stabbed him three times in the back.

Mabunda said an ambulance was called to the scene, and the injured learner was rushed to a clinic in Alexandra for medical attention. Police were also called to the incident, but the suspects reportedly fled after the attack. Mabunda confirmed that a case of aggravated assault was opened with the police on the same day. “What we know is that there is this issue of tribalism and gangsterism happening in Alexandra, so some gangs attack a group of learners [purportedly] in gangs, and they use weapons.”

This incident comes amid growing fears in the community over school-related gang activity. Just last week, residents raised serious concerns about gangsterism in Alexandra high schools during a Sector 3 meeting held by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the CPF. One parent shared how she now feels compelled to escort her child to and from school daily, to protect them from the growing violence.

Also read: Parents unite against violence at Minerva High School

Police also noted that criminality, especially gang violence and drug dealing among young people, is concerning. Visible Policing Commander Colonel Jerry Phaswana expressed concerns about issues of gangsterism, noting that learners from one school often fight learners from different schools, with Minerva and Alex High among the most affected by violence. “Those high schools, they are giving us problems. We know that at 07:30 we must send a van to Minerva and another one to Alex High, and at the same time, the community also needs help.”

Mabunda said the escalating violence requirements the intervention of all stakeholders, including law enforcement officials, the education department, community members, and the school governing body.

The publication reached out to the department of education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, for comment and will provide an update once his response is received.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!