The Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) has released a statement condemning an incident in which learners were injured during a fight in a scholar transport vehicle. DoE spokesperson Gerald Sambo said a total of six learners sustained injuries during the incident.

One learner was transported to Mediclinic for urgent medical attention, while five others were treated at Rob Ferreira Hospital.

The incident involved learners from Msholozi and Mataffin, who attend Cyril Clarke Secondary School.
Sambo said, according to a preliminary report, on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18, a group of boys engaged in a physical altercation outside the school gates.

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“The situation escalated as the learners boarded the bus, despite efforts by the bus driver to maintain order. The conflict intensified inside the vehicle, resulting in injuries to several learners.”

According to Sambo, the report further indicates that some learners were allegedly armed with metal objects, which caused serious harm. In addition, one learner discharged pepper spray, affecting several other learners on board.

“The department has directed the School Governing Body (SGB) of Cyril Clarke Secondary School to institute disciplinary proceedings against all learners involved, in accordance with the school’s Code of Conduct. Furthermore, officials from the department’s wellness and inclusive education units will be deployed to the school to provide psychosocial support services to all affected learners.”

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Sambo said the department calls on parents and guardians to help reinforce positive behaviour and discipline among learners. He added that violence in any form undermines the safe and conducive learning environment that all learners deserve.

All the hospitalised learners have since been discharged.