The principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort was stabbed in the hand while attempting to defuse tensions between learners from two schools yesterday.

According to a statement sent to the Roodepoort Record by Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane, the fight involved learners from West Ridge High School and Hoërskool Roodepoort.

Chiloane condemned the clash, saying: “It is completely unacceptable that such violence has spilt into our schools, where the safety of both learners and educators has now been compromised. It is even more disturbing that a principal, in her efforts to protect learners, was harmed in the process. We will not allow violence and intimidation to take root in our schools. Law enforcement must ensure that perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions. Our schools must remain centres of safety, learning, and growth, not battlegrounds.”

Incident escalates

Preliminary reports indicate that the violence stemmed from an earlier altercation between learners of the two schools, which occurred on Friday and later went viral on social media.

The situation escalated yesterday when a group of West Ridge learners, allegedly seeking revenge, went to Hoërskool Roodepoort, where they attacked learners and pelted cars with stones.

The principal was stabbed while trying to intervene. She was rushed to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. Three learners from Hoërskool Roodepoort sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical care.

Disciplinary action and support measures

Chiloane confirmed that about six Grade 12 learners from West Ridge High School have been identified and will receive suspension letters today. The suspensions are effective for seven days, pending their appearance before a disciplinary committee. Further suspensions may follow as the verification of evidence continues.

“Our psycho-social support team and employee wellness will visit both schools to provide necessary support,” said Chiloane.

To strengthen security, the department has also engaged the Roodepoort police to support both schools and requested that they conduct unannounced search-and-seizure operations.

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