Limpopo learner attacks principal
A Gr 10 learner chased and threatened a principal with a knife, sparking concerns over safety, bullying, and gangsterism in Vhembe schools.
LIMPOPO – Violence erupted at Swongozwi Secondary School in Madodonga last week when a learner attacked the school principal with a knife.
According to sources, the incident occurred on October 24 after the principal reprimanded the Gr 10 learner for giving food meant for learners to a friend who does not attend the school, and for bullying other learners.
Knife attack sparks safety concerns
The learner is then said to have chased the principal around the school premises, threatening him with the weapon.
Parents say the attack has exposed serious security shortcomings at many schools in the province. They claim Swongozwi has long struggled with gangsterism, bullying and drug use, and remains one of the province’s underperforming schools with consistently poor matric results.
“How is it possible that learners carry weapons to school without anyone knowing it?” asked one parent, who wished to remain anonymous.
“When we send our children to school, we entrust them to the school’s care, but they fail us. Learners should be searched before entering to ensure that no weapons are brought inside.”
SGB plans awareness campaign
School governing body (SGB) chairperson Edward Sadiki said parents and the community were working together to restore discipline. He expressed concern over the growing problem of gangsterism in schools and urged learners to report incidents that threaten a safe learning environment.
Sadiki added that the SGB would soon launch an awareness campaign addressing the dangers of gangsterism, bullying and drug abuse.
“Violence and drugs cannot be tolerated at school at all,” he said. He confirmed that the case involving the learner was now in police hands and that the learner’s parents would be summoned to the school.
Officials condemn school violence
MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya condemned the attack, saying schools were “centres for learning, not violence”. She added: “We want justice to take its full course against learners who commit crime inside school premises. We call upon parents and guardians to join hands with the police and teachers to ensure that schools remain safe environments at all times.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident and said an 18-year-old suspect had been arrested. He appeared in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court on October 27, and the case was postponed to November 3 for a bail application.
