Peace after school stabbing

TWO groups of learners have agreed to a peace deal after one was stabbed in a rol over a cap at Tuscany Glen High School. 

The Blue Downs school shared an open letter to parents on their Facebook page about the September 10 incident in which there was a violent fight between the two groups of students who were subsequently suspended.

One boy was stabbed in the neck.

The Western Cape Department of Education and a representative of SAPS’ Anti-Gang Unit were called in to help relieve tensions and warn about potential consequences.  

The learners have since returned to school this week ahead of disciplinary action.

The school said: “As you know, the students involved in the incident were suspended for seven days as a precautionary measure. The suspension concludes on Wednesday and they are expected to return to school on Thursday.

“Upon their return, we will proceed with disciplinary action as outlined in the school's Code of Conduct.

“To address the root conflict and prevent future incidents, we facilitated a meeting with the students and their parents.

“To ensure the seriousness of the situation was understood, we brought in two representatives from the Anti-Gang Unit to speak about the dangers of group affiliation. 

“In conclusion, they collectively decided to enter into a peace agreement. The groups shook hands promising to put the conflict behind them.”

Riedwaan Ahmed, Provincial Chief Executive Officer for the National Professional Teacher’s Organisation of South Africa, said over 500 children had fallen victim to crime due to gang violence and school fights.

He added crime linked with victimisation led to high absenteeism and teachers left traumatised.