Two pupils killed as gang violence spirals

THE POLICE confiscated several knives and dangerous weapons from a high school in Danielskuil after two pupils were stabbed to death during an altercation last weekend.

Two suspects were expected to appear in the Danielskuil Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with the murders.

A ward committee member at Kgatelopele Municipality, Frikkie Sebelego, said gang violence and drug abuse was spiralling out of control in the town.

“A memorial service was held yesterday for the two youths who attend the same school, while sharp objects and weapons were confiscated in a joint operation involving the police and the community policing forum (CPF) at the school.

“We also met with the brigadier from Upington to discuss the high prevalence of gangsterism in schools and the community. We want to prevent a situation where pupils are too scared to attend school.”

Sebelego added that “more blood will flow” had been spray painted on the school toilet wall, as a forewarning of more violence involving youths.

“There were warnings that ‘more heads will roll’ ahead of the funerals that will be held this weekend.”

Sebelego indicated that it would be a difficult task to address the social issues plaguing the community.

“There is a situation where illegal firearms are being brought into the town. We are trying to lobby the community to get involved in rooting out gang activities and drugs but it is extremely tough because so much inter-related violence has taken root.”

Sebelego stated that the ambulance had to travel from Postmasburg to Danielskuil following the stabbing incidents.

“All calls are logged at the call centre in Upington, where the ambulance arrived two hours later. Perhaps the pupils could have been alive if the ambulance came sooner.”

Police spokesperson Captain Sergio Kock said that two men were arrested in connection with the murders.

“They are expected to appear in court today (yesterday).”

He added that the Danielskuil and Postmasburg SAPS, together with the local community policing forum, the school governing body and the Department of Education, held raids and safety talks at a high school in Danielskuil over the past three days.

“Police addressed school safety in the talks and also did random searches at a Danielskuil high school and confiscated several knives and dangerous weapons. The raids will continue on a random basis, especially since a 20-year-old male pupil from the school and another 23-year-old man were stabbed to death during an altercation between two groups at a nightclub on February 23.”

Kock indicated that the police would continue to carry out random and unannounced visits at schools to address the issue of drugs and dangerous weapons at schools.

“The SAPS will continue to strengthen relationships with the Department of Education, NGOs and the community to ensure that safety and security is prioritised and the culture of learning on the school premises is not compromised.”