By OBAKENG MAJE
22 September 2024- Parents at Thuto Lesedi Primary School in Huhudi Township, near Vryburg, call on the North West Department of Education, to ensure that schools are a safer environment. This comes after one learner was allegedly stabbed and hospitalised during a gangsterism-related incident on 18 September 2024.
It is alleged that a group of boys entered the school and attacked one learner. The attack was allegedly sparked by an argument over initiation schools.
According to the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane, the department was notified that on 18 September 18 2024, a group of about 35 community members, forcibly entered Thuto Lesedi Primary School. Molokwane said to defuse the situation and dispersed the group that intended to interfere with teaching and learning, they requested an intervention from the police.
“The police stepped in right away. The department will work in collaboration with Community Police Forums (CPFs) and ensure that the police’s Adopt-A-Cop programme is introduced to every school in the province, to increase school safety,” he said.
The North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “The information provided to the police indicates that, there was a quarrel that was sparked by initiation school topic and ultimately, a group of boys went to attack one learner, who is attending at the school.
“The police attended to the complaint and the victim was ferried to hospital. He was thoroughly interviewed, but he indicated that he does not want to open a case. No one has been arrested thus far.”
Meanwhile, one of the parents at the school who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, called on the department to work closely with law enforcement agencies, school stakeholders, and community-based organisations to effectively address gang issues in the schools.
“Our children should know that gangsterism will not be allowed in our schools. We need community leaders with inspiring stories to deliver talks on topics, including knife crime, drug crime, and encourage learners to turn their lives around.
“Let’s make our schools safer and be vigilant enough to spot any gang crimes in schools as early as possible. I think a proactive approach from teachers and school staff will also be imperative in addressing this,” she said.
She said it will be vital for teachers to be well-informed, build trusting relationships with their learners and collaborate with experienced organisations that can offer support. She further said this will play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing gang-related issues effectively.
“Together, let’s work towards creating safer, healthier learning environments for all students,” she added.
The Guardian 