‘Gang violence’ leads to Bloemfontein school closure
A school in Bloemfontein, in the Free State has reportedly been closed following unrest allegedly linked to gang violence.
This comes after a young man, believed to be part of a gang terrorising the community, was severely assaulted allegdly by members of the Heidedal community this morning.
Police spokesperson Zweli Mohobeleli says after the incident rumours lead parents to collect their children at schools out of fear for gang attacks, Bloemfontein Courant reported.
Meanwhile, the Free State Department of Education has called for calm among community members and parents from schools in Bloemfontein.
Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, could not comment on the situation as all relevant stakeholders are at a meeting in Heidedal to discuss the matter.
He however asked community members to remain calm and ignore social media messages.
Mohobeleli also dismissed rumours that gang members are on the way to target schools in Bloemfontein after this morning’s incident.
This comes after various schools in Bloemfontein sent out bulk text messages to parents, urging them to collect their children from school.
Various schools in Bloemfontein have confirmed to OFM News that no incidents whatsoever occurred, learners wrote exams this morning and have already.
Twitter’s response to the incident:
: The situation in Bloemfontein is getting out of hand…
: My Mom tells me her school is out, all the parents came to take their kids, they say the gang is heading their way. Bloemfontein though haai.
: This thing happening in Bloem doesn’t sit well with me #prayforbloemfontein.
: Communities joining forces in fighting the “maroma”gang..Bloem people are gatvol,this is serious and not a joke.
: Gangsterism has BEEEN a problem at schools in Bloem. Little was done then. Now there’s a brazen new group “Maroma” just killing kids. SMH!!
: Parents please fetch ur kids at school. Bloem streets are raging with gangster’s going to primary n high schools to kill them.
: Best time for Bloem peeps to listen to informative local radio stations right now.
: This thing happening in Bloem doesn’t sit well with me #prayforbloemfontein.
: Communities joining forces in fighting the “maroma”gang..Bloem people are gatvol,this is serious and not a joke.
: Gangsterism has BEEEN a problem at schools in Bloem. Little was done then. Now there’s a brazen new group “Maroma” just killing kids. SMH!!
: Parents please fetch ur kids at school. Bloem streets are raging with gangster’s going to primary n high schools to kill them.
: Best time for Bloem peeps to listen to informative local radio stations right now.
: Man this is bad! People held hostage at the Heidedaal Shoprite in Bloem.. #PrayForBloem.
More to follow.
– Caxton News Service
Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
