According to officials, Minerva Secondary School’s youngest learners are allegedly being pulled into a culture of violence and gangsterism.

During a recent stakeholder meeting at the school, teachers revealed that Grade 8 learners are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment by older learners, particularly those in Grade 12, who are allegedly acting as gang leaders. These senior learners are allegedly exerting their influence over the younger ones, drawing them into fights, drug-related activities, and violent clashes.

Read more: Two learners stabbed in Minerva Secondary School brawl

Teachers revealed that some learners break classroom chairs, turning their iron legs into weapons. Furthermore, some female learners have been accused of sneaking weapons, including knives and daggers-like objects, past gate searches.

Recently, the violence escalated to the point where two learners were stabbed. Emergency personnel had to rush to the school to attend to injured learners, including a female learner who had suffered an asthma attack after being pepper-sprayed.

Previously, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) revealed that substances are sometimes at the centre of violent brawls at schools. On Wednesday, teachers confirmed that substance abuse is rife at Minerva, with dagga reportedly being sold and smoked on school premises.

Deputy chief education specialist at the Gauteng department of education Phillemon Mogobe said, beyond the school gates, youth groups from Madala Hostel, 2nd Avenue, and even Limpopo are said to be clashing with each other, adding a layer of tribalism to the already volatile environment. He described Grade 8 learners as the worst affected.

Also read: Parents unite against violence at Minerva High School

Mashishi stressed the need for strict management of learners, warning parents that criminal cases could soon be opened against those over 16 involved in violent acts. “We are going to charge about eight Grade 8 learners, and the outcome is dismissal.”

Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane, of SAPS, highlighted the long-term consequences of criminal records, noting that even if learners finish school, such records will hinder their chances of employment.
He urged parents to intervene, noting that the police do not work at schools but outside where criminals are a lot. “Alex is busy and police members are not enough. Even outside they’re crying about our response time. They say we are taking too long.”

However, he said they will try and assist teachers, searching learners, with the help of traffic wardens and the CPF. He warned that learners found with such sharp objects displayed at the meeting, could be charged with possession of a dangerous weapon.

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