HIGHVELD – Violence involving young men and learners is on the rise in the area.
It is suspected that this is related to the increase in gangsterism.
Several cases have been reported at various police stations such as eMbalenhle, eMzinoni, Kinross and Leandra Police Station.
Teaching and learning were disrupted at the Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary School in Lebohang on Monday, 9 September after learners stabbed each other.
Police said it is unclear what the reason for the fight was, but they suspect it was gang-related.
The learners were both taken to the police station for questioning and at the time of going to press, the police were still interviewing the suspects.
This spiked an uproar in the community, however police managed to stabilise the situation.
In another incident, the community of Extention 25, Afghanistan was up in arms after Themba Innocent Siyabela was hacked to death on Sunday, 8 September.
Also read: Young man hacked to death in apparent gang-related violence at Kinross
Themba was a learner at Sizwakele Secondary School.
Themba’s family is devastated by the incident.
According to the family, Themba was on his way to the shop at about 8am when a white car stopped next to him.
“We were told that some boys got out of the car and stabbed and hacked him.
“We are sadden by his loss. He was a quiet and lovely child.
“We do not know why they killed him,” said Ms Prudence Nkambule, family spokesman.
The family is relieved that the alleged murderers were arrested, but unhappy that the police arrested Themba’s friends for public violence.
The friends were retaliating to Themba’s murder.
Concerned parents have called on religious leaders to visit the school to pray and give moral support to the learners.
Residents believe that the incident is gang-related, but the police can not confirm this.
The police arrested a large number of people.
They arrested six people in connection with the murder, 22 for public violence, two for interfering with the police’s work and two others were arrested for malicious damage to property.
Parents of those who were arrested for public violence, were unhappy with the police.
Also read: 13-Year-old girl raped and killed in eMzinoni
They alleged that the police were brutal and that those arrested were not involved.
The parents alleged that during the raid, the police assaulted many and also used live rounds.
When they went to Kinross Police Station, police were allegedly arrogant and rude.
“This so unfair to our children.
“Some of those arrested are writing exams and they have missed it.
“We hope they will appear in court on Monday, 9 September, but we were told they were not yet charged.”
The parents wanted the police to release the suspects so they could get medical attention.
They are also concerned about the psychological effect on the affected learners.
Also read: eMbalenhle school teacher accused of rape
