Concerns about increasing violence among learners at Allen Glen High School have surfaced, with learners reportedly facing daily assaults and bullying and at least one learner hospitalised with broken ribs and more after being severely beaten.

This is information according to a concerned parent who reached out to the Roodepoort Northsider and requested to remain anonymous to protect her son.

“These days, parents are scared to send their children to school. The principal refuses to speak to parents about the concerns raised, and nothing has been done about the gangs operating the violence,” anonymous said.

It is alleged that the teachers are largely absent during fights, which sometimes end up in public spaces, including the Sasol Garage on the corner. Victims reportedly fear retaliation if they report assaults, leaving parents frustrated and feeling unheard.

The anonymous parent also added that learners face ongoing bullying, theft, and intimidation in classrooms. She described an incident where classmates forcibly took a learner’s new phone, accusing her of stealing it.

Despite raising these concerns at the school’s recent AGM, parents say little action has followed. “We leave it in the hands of the school and don’t get feedback. We are turning to the media as we are afraid that our children will be killed,” the parent added.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed it is aware of the incidents and has taken steps to address them.

“The department is deeply concerned about gangsterism and ill-discipline among Grade Eight and Nine learners at Allen Glen High School. We have dispatched officials who met with all stakeholders and implemented intervention strategies to contain the situation.”

“Duty rosters for supervision, assemblies educating learners about gangs, and support from social workers and law enforcement are all in place. We strongly condemn any acts of misconduct that undermine the dignity of our learning institutions and appeal to parents to assist in enforcing discipline both in and outside the school environment,” the spokesperson for the department, Steve Mabona, said.

Mabona also added that the school participates in Anti-Bullying and Anti-Gangsterism programmes, and the school governing body (SGB) is collaborating with SASOL and transport drivers to ensure learners are collected on time, while addressing loitering near the garage.

The Northsider contacted the school’s principal and the police to get comment on the issue, but no response has been received from any of them at the time of print, despite being given a clear deadline.

This developing situation stresses concerns over the safety of learners, the need for active school supervision, and the urgent need for authorities to address violent behaviour in schools.

* Parents’ names and surnames have been withheld to protect the identity of their minor children, as required by the South African Press Code – Ed.