By Everson Luhanga
- Learners stormed a restroom in balaclavas and overalls, poured water on a teacher, and threw papers, sparking chaos before order was restored.
- Parents of the learners involved were called to a meeting and told their children would be suspended for five days while facing a disciplinary process.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, has slammed the violence at Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp, North West.
On Tuesday, a group of learners stormed a restroom dressed in balaclavas and overalls, disrupting classes.
A teacher went to calm the situation but was attacked. Learners poured water over the teacher and pelted them with papers.
Staff immediately acted to protect learners, securing the premises and removing those responsible. Lessons were eventually resumed once order was restored.
Motsumi said an urgent investigation identified the learners involved, and their parents were quickly informed.
On Wednesday, the School Management Team and School Governing Body met and decided to suspend all the learners for five days.
She explained that this suspension is a temporary step while a full disciplinary process is followed under the school’s code of conduct. Parents were formally briefed about the suspension at a meeting on Thursday.
Motsumi condemned the attack, calling it “barbaric and unacceptable”.
She said: “We are not going to tolerate learners who assault our teachers, they do not belong in our schools.”
She has instructed the School Governing Body to take strong action to ensure such behaviour is not repeated. She also asked the district to arrange support for both teachers and learners affected by the incident.
Motsumi thanked the teachers, parents, governing body and community for their support and said her department will continue to focus on safety and discipline in schools.
“The disciplinary process will continue according to departmental policies and the school’s code of conduct,” she said.
Pictured above: A screenshot of violent learners from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp, North West province
Image source: Supplied
