Increase in ‘unruly behaviour’ at schools a concern – education dept
A Grade 9 learner was viciously attacked by five other learners. Part of the learner’s hair was removed from her scalp, resulting in her head having bruises and swelling.
The Gauteng Education Department is concerned with the number of recent cases related to misbehaviour at schools.
Among the cases reported was the vicious assault of a Grade 9 learner who was attacked by five other learners at Pretoria Central High School on October 13.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane strongly condemned such incidents.
“We must remind all learners, parents and communities at large, that our schools are institutions of learning and teaching. Therefore, we appeal that they are treated as such. Any form of ill-discipline and unruly behaviour will be met by disciplinary action, and lawful action if necessary,” said Chiloane.
Other incidents include a stabbing at Altmont Technical High School, a ditch drinking party that turned violent at Wendywood High School, and an incident at TM Lethlake Secondary School in which parents blocked learners and teachers from entering the grounds in a protest action against its principal.
The department said the assault on the learner at Pretoria Central High “was done with an intent to do grievous bodily harm as part of the learner’s hair was removed from her scalp, resulting in her head having bruises and swelling”.
Education department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the injured student was recovering from her injuries at home.
The learners involved in the attack were all suspended and await further disciplinary action.
“Our psychosocial support team has been dispatched to all affected schools to offer necessary support,” the department concluded.
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