A violent altercation between learners from Hoerskool Roodepoort and West Ridge High School has left three students hospitalised with serious injuries and a school principal treated for stab wounds.
The incident, which occurred west of Johannesburg, escalated to such a degree that police were called to the scene and have opened an investigation.
The principal of Hoerskool Roodepoort was injured while attempting to break up the fight, sustaining stab wounds to her hand. She was treated at a medical facility and has since been discharged. The three hospitalised learners remain under medical care for what Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona described as “very serious injuries.”
Speaking in a studio interview, Mabona provided details on the department’s response. He stated that the initial fight broke out on Friday, the 15th, though the exact cause of the tension remains unclear.
“The information at our disposal dictate that this would have been started on Friday… We don’t know what they were fighting for,” Mabona said. “We think that the report after the disciplinary process will then assist us with that information.”
In a swift disciplinary move, over 20 learners from West Ridge High School have been suspended for seven days. Approximately three learners from Hoerskool Roodepoort are also facing suspension. Mabona emphasized that a full disciplinary process will follow, where sanctions will be meted out to those found guilty.
“The disciplinary process will sit where sanctions will then have to be meted out to those that are found guilty, of course,” he stated. “We need to make sure that our children must understand that you don’t need to resort to violence.”
The incident has reignited concerns over security in and around schools. Mabona acknowledged the challenge, noting that many violent incidents occur outside school premises, limiting the department’s direct control. However, he outlined measures taken for high-risk schools, including increased security patrollers, the installation of CCTV cameras, and collaboration with law enforcement for visible policing during morning and afternoon periods.
“We have improved on security… we have more patrollers in those schools that have been identified as high-risk,” Mabona said. He added that there is a commitment from police to conduct patrols and unannounced search and seizures for weapons on school grounds.
The interview concluded on a positive note, with Mabona highlighting the donation of a decommissioned Airbus A135 passenger jet to Hoerskool Roodepoort’s engineering school of specialization. The jet, donated by Airlink, will be used to provide learners with hands-on experience in aviation hydraulics and systems, supported by two permanent technicians from the airline. The department plans to eventually introduce full aviation subjects to create a pipeline for future pilots and air traffic controllers.
The community awaits further updates on the condition of the hospitalised learners and the outcome of the police investigation into the violent clash.
