Gauteng principal stabbed, six West Ridge learners suspended after viral fight

A principal at a school in Gauteng was stabbed while trying to defuse a violent clash between learners from two different schools on Monday. 

The clashes were between learners from West Ridge High School and Hoërskool Roodepoort. 

The Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has condemned the incident. 

According to the Department, the clash stems from a violent altercation between learners on Friday, August 15, which was filmed and went viral on social media. 

By Monday, the matter had escalated when a group of West Ridge learners allegedly sought revenge and went to Hoërskool Roodepoort, where they attacked learners and pelted cars with stones. 

While trying to defuse the situation, the principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort was stabbed and rushed to the hospital for treatment. She has since been discharged. 

Three learners from Hoërskool Roodepoort who sustained serious injuries are receiving medical care. 

The Department has confirmed six Grade 12 learners (boys) from West Ridge High School who will be served with suspension letters on Tuesday. 

The suspension will restrict them from attending school for seven days pending their appearance before the disciplinary committee. 

Further suspensions may be effected as the verification process continues. 

The Department will also be deploying its psycho-social support team to visit both schools. 

“It is completely unacceptable that such violence has spilled into our schools, where the safety of both learners and educators has now been compromised. It is even more disturbing that a principal, in her efforts to protect learners, was harmed in the process. We will not allow violence and intimidation to take root in our schools. Law enforcement must ensure that perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions. Our schools must remain centres of safety, learning, and growth, not battlegrounds,” Chiloane said. 

The Department has also engaged with the SAPS to support both schools in enhancing safety and requested them to conduct unannounced search-and-seizure operations. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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