FS Education dept calls for calm following violent attacks at Ficksburg schools

THE FREE State Department of Education has called for calm at schools in Ficksburg after the death of a Grade 9 pupil sparked anger among Tlotlisong Secondary School pupils.

It is alleged that the pupil committed suicide after being bullied by a teacher at the school.

As seen on video footage that went viral on social media, pupils from Tlotlisong Secondary school, joined by pupils from other schools in the Maqheleng area, Ficksburg, went on the rampage on Thursday, overturned a police vehicle, destroyed teachers’ cars, damaged school properties and disrupted learning and teaching in all Ficksburg schools.

Angry learners at a school in Ficksburg, Free State, went on the rampage and attacked a police vehicle. pic.twitter.com/JiIowOWBDX

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 2, 2023

The department said it would meet all relevant stakeholders at the Setsoto Local Municipality on Monday to stabilise the situation in the area for teaching to resume.

"The department is hoping to finalise these consultations on Monday to allow learning and teaching to resume normally either on Tuesday or Wednesday," it said.

The district chief director, Sam Mokgobo, said they cannot afford to lose more time on such incidents and "we need our learners to be in class and allow the process of investigation to take its course on all allegations raised".

The department urged pupils and members of the community to give the investigation process a chance and to allow schooling to resume without any further delays.

"Psychosocial support and counselling will be made available to learners who require such service," the department said.