School violence sees no end in Thembalethu

Update

GEORGE NEWS - It appears that the ongoing gang violence in Thembalethu high schools has claimed another victim.

A 17-year-old learner had to be transported to the George Hospital after he was stabbed in his right arm by another learner (also 17) at Thembalethu High School on Tuesday 13 March.

The suspect was arrested and will appear in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court within 48 hours.

The stabbing occurred during an alleged gang-related altercation during a period change.

It is believed the boys, who allegedly belong to rival gangs, had a quarrel outside the school premises over the weekend.

The feud between the gangs was carried on during school hours.

The school, which has a long history of gang-related violence, was searched by the police on Friday 2 March and 11 bankies of dagga were found abandoned in a classroom.

The operation was led by station commander Colonel Douw Herbst, members of the public order policing unit (Pops) and the Outeniqua K9 unit. Eleven classes and 440 learners were searched.

Despite what has been happening at Thembalethu high schools - including Imizamo Yethu High, which also has a common issue of gang-related violence - the Western Cape Department of Education believes that deploying security guards at the schools is not an option.

Responding to media enquiries in this regard, the department's spokesperson Paddy Atwell said on Wednesday 21 February that the department deploys a wide range of measures to ensure school security.

These include alarms linked to armed response, CCTV and motorised gates, fences and burglar bars, among others. "Safe Schools also works closely with law enforcement agencies, private security firms and communities to achieve a common goal, namely a safe space for teaching and learning," he said.

Police responded to the incident at Thembalethu High School.

"We only deploy security guards in schools where there is a serious threat to life and limb of staff and learners, and when the security mechanisms at the school have been breached, leaving people and property vulnerable.

"The deployment of security guards is not sustainable and forms part of a range of interventions. Local communities also have a key role to play in working with schools, Safe Schools, law enforcement and local authorities to ensure the safety of learners."

The boy was bleeding severely.