Acid attack highlights gang culture

WARD 67 councillor, Aubrey Snyman calls for all Wentworth community stakeholders to get involved in educating the youth in the wake of a 15-year-old being burnt with acid in a schoolyard altercation.

The 15-year-old Fairvale Secondary pupil had acid thrown in his face during a fight with a fellow pupil at the school last month. It is alleged the dispute, which had begun earlier in that week spiralled out of control when local gang members arrived at the school and provided his attacker with the container of acid.

Snyman believes these types of attacks are unacceptable. “We are trying to contain the problem of crime within our schools, but the task is made difficult when outside influences infiltrate the schools and target our pupils,” he said.

Since a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death at the school nearly two years ago, the community has stepped up its efforts to prevent the death of its youngsters. Pastors patrol local schools and police have increased patrols too, as precautionary measures to alleviate crime within the schools.

“This type of attack was unexpected. The teachers are doing their best to deal with crime, but they need the help of parents, who must teach their children good values. Why are children going to school and conducting themselves in this way? They are there to learn, not to fight and it begs the question, what are our youth coming to? Without the support of the whole community, this problem will not go away, but get much worse.”

A case of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm has been opened at Wentworth police station against the boy’s attacker. No arrests have made, but investigations are ongoing.