By Everson Luhanga
- Gang violence at Alex High School in Alexandra left one student stabbed and others trapped in fear inside the school.
- Parents rushed to save their children while police and community leaders tried to calm the situation down at the troubled school.
Parents rushed to Alex High School in Alexandra on Friday morning after gang violence left one student with stab wounds and others scared for their lives.
Police and community leaders raced to the school as teachers and students remained locked inside the school, too afraid to continue classes.
Ward 116 councillor Adolf Marema said the trouble started early in the day.
“One was reportedly critically wounded, and the perpetrator ran out of the school,” he said.
“We have converged to try and resolve some issues as now educators want to go home as they are traumatised.”
Parents demanded their children be released while authorities tried to calm tensions between rival gang leaders. Four police vehicles arrived at the scene, including two Nyala armoured vehicles.
Community activist Thabo Mopasi said the violence began when schools opened. A student from Minerva High is in intensive care after being stabbed on the first day.
Later on Friday, two more learners were taken to hospital.
The fighting then spread to Alex High on Thursday and got worse on Friday morning.
Mopasi said they had warned education officials, including the Gauteng MEC for Education, to be on high alert after the Minerva High stabbing.
This is not the first time Alex High has seen violence. In August 2024, several students needed treatment at a local clinic after fighting.
Police arrested four boys who they believe started the fight.
The school’s troubled history includes an incident in January 2023 when students raided the school kitchen and stole food meant for other learners.
In September 2022, students damaged school furniture during Spring Day celebrations, sprayed water from fire hydrants, insulted teachers and attacked a female security guard.
Pictured above: Police at the school.
Source: Everson Luhanga
This article was updated to add that two more learners were taken to hospital.
