By Everson Luhanga
A learner from Alexandra High School was rushed to hospital after he was stabbed in the mouth by a group of young men on Wednesday morning.
The brutal attack happened inside the school premises. A video sent to Scrolla.Africa shows chaotic scenes, with learners running in all directions and screaming as violence broke out.
Teachers believe the same group of learners who were arrested before for fighting are behind the attack.
A teacher, who asked not to be named, said many educators at the school are living in fear. “We are intimidated every time we speak to the learners. We work in fear because we know these learners have weapons and carry weapons.”
For the last six months, proper teaching has been almost impossible, the teacher said.
Community activist Vincent Ndima said gangsterism is a major issue. “Children fight in the streets and bring the fights into the school. It’s not only Alex High. Minerva High and other schools also have this problem,” he said.
Ndima said these fights often involve ethnic groups targeting each other. He called on the government to take strong action. “If it means corporal punishment, let it be,” he said.
Parents have been invited to a meeting at the school on Friday, 2 August, at 9am to discuss the crisis. The meeting will focus on learner behaviour, school performance and how parents can help.
Residents say they are ready to step in. “It takes a community to raise a child,” said one. “Let’s stand with the school before it’s too late.”
This is not the first violent incident at the school.
In January, a learner was stabbed during a gang fight. Teachers were so shaken that they went home by 10am. Police and community leaders had to rush in to calm the situation as terrified learners locked themselves inside classrooms.
Last year, on 27 August, learners fought with chairs, planks and tables. Several were injured, and four boys were arrested. A 22-second video shared with Scrolla.Africa showed learners kicking, stomping and beating each other while others cheered.
On 28 January 2023, learners stormed the school kitchen and stole pots of food. A worker said the learners were angry because they were served phuthu and maas.
Another chaotic day was 6 September 2022, when learners celebrated Spring Day by vandalising furniture, spraying water from fire hydrants and attacking a female security guard.
Pictured above: Alex High School.
Image source: Malesela Mangena
