Gang violence spills into classrooms

SCHOOL ATTACKS

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has revealed they have received 454 reports of assault involving learners on school property between January and July.

National Professional Teacher's Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) reports that since January, 563 children have fallen victim to violence, leading to high absenteeism and victimisation with gangsterism spilling over into the classroom.

Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for MEC for Education, David Maynier confirmed that assaults on school grounds included “a range of incidents from assault with a weapon to less serious incidents like pushing and shoving, or fighting”.

The latest incident is that of a stabbing frenzy allegedly at the hands of a Grade 10 learner at AZ Berman High School in Mitchell's Plain last week who apparently stabbed three children with a screwdriver following an argument.

The learner was suspended and cases of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm was opened.