Gauteng School Violence Escalates: Principal Stabbed in Learner Clash

What began as a violent tussle captured on social media has now escalated into a real-life nightmare for Gauteng schools. On Monday, a principal at Hoërskool Roodepoort was stabbed while trying to break up a fight involving learners from her school and West Ridge High School.

Viral Video Sparks Escalation

The Department of Education confirmed that the violence traces back to a fight on Friday, August 15, between learners from the two schools. A video of that altercation went viral, prompting a wave of retaliation. By Monday, a group of West Ridge learners allegedly sought revenge at Hoërskool Roodepoort, throwing stones at vehicles and attacking students.

The principal, acting in the interest of student safety, was stabbed and rushed to hospital. Fortunately, she has since been discharged. Three Hoërskool Roodepoort learners sustained serious injuries and remain under medical care.

@news24 The principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort was stabbed in her hand while trying to stop an attack from pupils of West Ridge High School. The pupils from both schools had been at loggerheads following an altercation on Friday. Three pupils from Hoërskool Roodepoort sustained serious injuries and were receiving the necessary medical care. On Tuesday, education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said six Grade 12 boys from West Ridge High School had been identified “and will be served suspension letters”. Read the full story via link in bio. #hoerskoolroodepoort #westridgehighschool #violence #southafrica #news24 ♬ original sound – News24

Six Learners Suspended, More Possible

In response, the Department confirmed that six Grade 12 boys from West Ridge High will face seven-day suspensions pending disciplinary hearings. The process to verify other involved learners is ongoing, and further suspensions are expected.

The Department will also deploy a psycho-social support team to both schools, providing counseling to learners and staff affected by the incident.

Authorities Step In

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, condemned the attacks, emphasizing that schools must be safe spaces for learning, not arenas of violence. “It is completely unacceptable that such violence has spilled into our schools, where the safety of both learners and educators has now been compromised,” Chiloane said.

Authorities are working closely with the SAPS to enhance security, including unannounced search-and-seizure operations, to prevent further incidents and ensure accountability.

Social Media and Public Reaction

The viral video of the initial fight has sparked outrage online, with parents, educators, and community members condemning the escalation. Many have expressed concern about how social media can amplify conflicts among learners, creating pressure that spills into real-life aggression.

This incident underscores the urgent need for proactive measures in Gauteng schools to manage learner disputes and reinforce safety protocols. For now, the affected schools face the challenge of restoring normalcy while supporting both victims and perpetrators through disciplinary and psychological interventions.

{Source: IOL}

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