Knysna townships tense as pupils threaten violence
Police in Knysna, in the Western Cape, are on high alert following violent scuffles and a threat of more violent conflict between students of at least three high schools in the area.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, yesterday said various weapons, including pangas and knives, had been confiscated from loitering crowds in Nekkies and Bongani areas, Knysna-Plet Herald reported.
The atmosphere in these areas was said to be tense while there was a heavy police presence in the areas and around the high schools. Spies said the police were still trying to determine the cause of the conflict.
However, it is alleged the violence started in a tavern in the Dam-se-Bos area this past Saturday, when conflict erupted between two groups of young high school pupils, one from Bongani and the other from Nekkies.
“We will use our weapons if necessary, as we feel our lives are being threatened,” a pupil who wished to remain anonymous said.
The alleged school-related violence comes a month after a school in Bloemfontein, in the Free State, was closed following unrest allegedly linked to gang violence.
The violence erupted after a young man, believed to be part of a gang terrorising the community, was fatally assaulted allegedly by Heidedal residents.
Following the incident, police said rumours led parents to collect their children at schools out of fear for gang attacks.
– Caxton News Network
Read original story on knysnaplettherald.com
