Parents demand action after school stabbings in Ramahantsha
Concerns over alleged gangsterism, bullying and drug abuse at Sinthumule Secondary School have intensified after two learners were stabbed in separate incidents within two days.
LIMPOPO – Parents at Sinthumule Secondary School in Ramahantsha are demanding stricter action against bullying following two recent stabbing incidents on the school premises. The incidents have raised concerns about discipline and learner safety at the school.
Violence at the school
The concerns come amid reports of gangsterism, substance abuse, bullying and unruly behaviour among learners. In May, a video showing learners assaulting another learner circulated on social media, sparking outrage.
The latest incidents occurred on October 21 and 22. The fights, which reportedly started on the school premises, have been widely condemned by parents and other concerned stakeholders. Parents allege that gangsterism and drug abuse are becoming increasingly common at the school, with some learners selling drugs to their peers.
Two learners stabbed
In one of the incidents, a Gr 9 learner stabbed two Gr 11 learners with a sharp object, leaving them seriously injured. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. By Monday, one was still in hospital but was reported to be in a stable condition, while the other had been discharged.
Calls for tougher action
The parents of the injured learners also blamed the school management for not acting to address bullying and gangsterism.
School governing body member George Maphala said the Gr 9 learner, who was already suspended, had jumped the school fence and attacked the two Gr 11 learners. The learner is currently only allowed on the school premises to write examinations.
Maphala said it was important to address bullying and take corrective action against those responsible.
“If we don’t intervene early, they will find violence and bullying fun.
“We hope that learners will report any acts or incidents that pose a threat to a healthy learning environment,” he said.
Education spokesperson Mike Maringa said the department strongly condemned the incidents. “The department is awaiting a full report from the school and the circuit manager,” he said.
Maringa appealed to parents, teachers and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that schools remained safe environments for learning.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that two cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm had been opened at the Tshilwavhusiku police station.
