POLOKWANE – A group of nine learners, aged 15 to 19, will face common assault and crimen injuria charges when they appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Friday, August 7.

The case stems from a confrontation at a high school in Mountain View, Boyne, outside Moria, on the morning of Monday, August 3.

Dispute over access rule

Police say trouble began just after 08:30, when a 45-year-old security guard on gate duty turned the learners away. Under a School Governing Body (SGB) rule requiring latecomers to be accompanied by a parent, he told them they could not enter alone.

The situation escalated quickly.

Officers allege the group turned on the guard, forcing the gate open and pushing past him onto school grounds. In the process, he was allegedly shoved to the ground, injuring his hand, and subjected to insults during the scuffle.

All nine released on warning

Officers arrested the group shortly after the incident.

All nine have since been released on warning and are due in court this week.

Police say the investigation is not yet closed, and further charges have not been ruled out as it continues.