Gang violence leads to stabbing at Molautsi Secondary School
Conflict among two apparent gangs at the school, the 'Columbians' and the '68' led to bloodshed in the ablution facilities on Friday, which led to the help of the Seshego police being called in to stabilise the situation.
POLOKWANE – Rival gangs at Molautsi Secondary School forced the police this past week to intervene in a volatile situation at the school. Conflict among two apparent gangs at the school, the ‘Columbians’ and the ’68’ led to bloodshed in the ablution facilities on Friday, which led to the help of the Seshego police being called in to stabilise the situation.
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Learners had been threatened by members of both gangs, according to sources, in the gangs’ quest to establish the school as their territory. Gang members were found in possession of weapons, including knives and pangas. The rivalry ended up in the toilets, where a stabbing occurred while the police were present on the premises.
The Station Commander of the Seshego police, Brigadier Lucas Tlhako was called into the building where the stabbing occurred, and gang members attacked each other. Learners who were harmed in the incident were taken to the Seshego Hospital for treatment.
Tlhako told BONUS the police condemn these acts of vigilantism: “Those who were involved will face the full might of the law”. The police made a follow-up visit to the school on Monday. Tlhako, along with the CPF Chairperson, Justice Sepale who committed to visit the school more regularly.
Tlhako also urged learners to come forward with information on gangsterism in the school.
In another incident, Westenburg police confiscated dangerous weapons from learners at Kabelo High School during a surprise visit on Friday. The visit was prompted by the high level of ill-discipline at the school over the past years. The municipal’s community safety unit was also in attendance.
During the visit, learners were urged to build a better future for themselves. The Westenburg SAPS say they will continue to visit the school on a regular basis to ensure that the learners adhere to school rules.
Two learners were found with weapons, saying they had these as they were intimidated on their way home in the afternoons. The weapons were confiscated and they were advised to let the school management or the local CPF know about the intimidation. The Principal, Paul Mmola welcomed the police visit.
“We struggle with learners who feel superior because they are in class with peers younger than them. This results in various problems.” Peer pressure was rife, as well as bullying, he said. “The police were able to address the situation, and I am already seeing progress,” he said.
Spokesperson for the Department, Sam Mokondo says the department condemns all acts of violence and gangsterism in schools. He says school hours should be respected and treated as such. Mokondo added that the department will be monitoring the school closely to ensure the safety of all learners.
