Altercation leads to stabbing outside school
Parents are encouraged to discipline their children.
The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has denied knowledge of a stabbing incident at Luthuli High School in Mtwalume recently.
The department’s spokesperson, Muzi Mahalabi said that according to the principal, no such incident took place at the school.
However, it is alleged that two learners dressed in school uniforms had an altercation outside the premises, which resulted in a stabbing.
According to bystanders, the boys were arguing over boundaries, however it is unknown what boundaries they were talking about. It is suspected that it is related to their home property boundaries.
A member of Luthuli High School Governing Body, Naledi Mkhungo condemned fighting in and out of school.
“As much as the incident did not take place on the school premises, as the SGB and community we are saying enough is enough. Fighting among learners is unacceptable.
“According to information received one boy was stabbed on his hand and a vein was cut. He was rushed to a local clinic and was later transferred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban for further medical care,” Mkhungo added.
Mkhungo said intervention is needed as this was not the first incident to happen near or at the school.
She said that in previous cases, police and the Traditional Tribal Authority were urged to intervene.
“We appeal to parents to speak to their children and check their bags and pockets for weapons before leaving or coming back home from school,” Mkhungo appealed.
Attempts to get comment from the boy’s family was not successful at the time of going to press.
Member of the DA Caucus in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and the DA KZN spokesperson on Education and Quality of Life, Dr Imran Keeka recently said: “School safety remains extremely concerning as incidents of violence continue to rise while learners, educators and community members are often caught in the crossfire. Despite the gravity of the situation, KZN government has been slow to take action.”
He said that violent crime and fear thereof impacts negatively on learners and residents resulting in a decline in quality of life and conflict-ridden and violence spilling over into schools.
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