- Principal stabbed in hand while stopping revenge attack between West Ridge and Hoërskool Roodepoort pupils.
- Six Grade 12 West Ridge boys suspended for seven days after Monday violence that injured three pupils.
A school principal was stabbed in the hand while trying to stop violent clashes between pupils from two Roodepoort schools.
The attack happened on Monday, 18 August, when West Ridge High School pupils went to Hoërskool Roodepoort looking for revenge after an earlier fight.
The schools had clashed on Friday, 15 August, in a fight that went viral on social media.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the violence that left the Hoërskool Roodepoort principal injured and three pupils seriously hurt.
The Gauteng Department of Education said the West Ridge group attacked pupils and threw stones at vehicles.
During the fight, the principal tried to calm things down but was stabbed in the hand. She was rushed to hospital for treatment and has since been released.
Three Hoërskool Roodepoort pupils suffered serious injuries and are receiving medical care.
Six Grade 12 boys from West Ridge High School have been identified as the troublemakers. They received suspension letters on Tuesday, 19 August.
The boys are suspended for seven days while waiting to appear before a disciplinary committee.
“Further suspensions may happen as we continue checking evidence,” the education department said.
To improve safety, the department asked Roodepoort police to support both schools and carry out surprise search operations.
The department also sent its support team and wellness unit to provide counselling to affected pupils and staff.
Chiloane said he was disturbed by the violence and the principal’s injury.
“It is completely unacceptable that such violence has spilled into our schools, where the safety of both pupils and teachers has now been compromised,” he said.
“It is even more disturbing that a principal, in her efforts to protect pupils, was harmed in the process. We will not allow violence and intimidation to take root in our schools.”
Pictured above: Hoërskool Roodepoort.
Image source: Hoërskool Roodepoort Facebook
