Two learners of the Meriti Secondary School in Meriting outside Rustenburg in the North West are recovering from stab wounds after they were allegedly attacked on Tuesday in two separate incidents that are believed to be linked to gangsterism.
According to the provincial Department of Education, the pair was attacked by a group of former learners and police were called to the scene.
“One of the learners was attacked outside the school premises by a gang of four individuals, reportedly expelled and suspended former learners of Meriti Secondary School.
The learner ran towards the school for protection, and in the ensuing chaos, the gang followed him into the school premises and stabbed another learner,” read a statement from the department.
Both learners were immediately taken to local medical facilities for treatment and one of them sustained four stab wounds and is currently recovering at home.
The Department has assured that both affected learners will be allowed to complete their exams once they have recovered from the ordeal.
Meanwhile, following the incident, MEC Viola Motsumi convened an urgent meeting with the School Governing Body, parents and the management of the school to address the safety concerns and establish measures to prevent future occurrences.
She announced that four security personnel will be deployed to guard the school from Thursday.
“The safety and well-being of our learners and educators are paramount.
We have taken immediate action to deploy security personnel to safeguard the school premises and restore calm.
I urge all members of the school community to remain calm and cooperate with the measures being put in place as we ensure that those responsible get apprehended and justice is served,” said Motsumi.
The Department said it’ll continue to work closely with law enforcement and other stakeholders to address any form of violence in schools and promote a safe learning environment for all stakeholders during the exams period and beyond.