Gauteng Education MEC calls for intensified safety efforts to protect learners

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is calling for intensified safety efforts to protect learners and teachers, following acts of gang-related violence affecting schools in Orange Farm.

Separate incidents gripped two schools in the area this week alone.

This includes an incident reported on Wednesday, where four learners from Vulindlela Secondary School were involved in a fight.

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One of the learners is recovering in the hospital after he was stabbed.

In the altercation that took place at Vulindlela Secondary School, a grade 10 learner was apprehended and is currently in police custody, while the grade 11 pupil who was stabbed is still receiving medical attention.

Meanwhile, on Friday last week, it's understood that a learner from Thetha Secondary School was also involved in a stabbing incident with an alleged gang member.

In what police believe may be an act of retaliation, members of the gang targeted the same learner on school grounds on Monday.

The spokesperson for the GDOE education, Steve Mabona, says steps are being taken to calm the situation.

“The police and the department have made sure the patrolling is happening in and around our schools, and that commitment will then assure other learners who are scared to go to school.”

He says the governing bodies of both schools will suspend and initiate disciplinary processes against the learners involved.