Roodepoort School Principal Stabbed During Violent Clash Between Pupils

The Gauteng Department of Education has condemned violent clashes between pupils from West Ridge High School and Hoërskool Roodepoort after the principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort was stabbed while attempting to defuse tensions.

The incident took place on Monday, 18 August, when a group of West Ridge pupils allegedly stormed Hoërskool Roodepoort to retaliate after an earlier altercation between the schools on Friday, 15 August. Videos of the fight had circulated on social media, fuelling the confrontation.

In the chaos, the principal was stabbed in the hand while trying to calm the situation. She was rushed to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

Roodepoort Pupils Injured, Instigators Suspended

According to the department, three Hoërskool Roodepoort pupils sustained serious injuries during the brawl and are receiving medical care.

Six Grade 12 boys from West Ridge High School have been identified as instigators of the violence. They were served with suspension letters on Tuesday, 19 August, and have been suspended for seven days pending their disciplinary hearings.

“Further suspensions may be effected as the verification of evidence continues,” the GDE said in a statement.

Police and Counsellors Deployed to Schools

To restore order and ensure safety, the Gauteng Department of Education has enlisted the support of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Roodepoort. Officers will conduct unannounced search-and-seizure operations at both schools.

The department has also dispatched its psychosocial support team and employee wellness unit to provide counselling to pupils and staff affected by the violence.

MEC for Education Matome Chiloane strongly condemned the incident, warning that violent behavior among pupils would not be tolerated.

The stabbing has sparked renewed concerns over school safety and escalating learner-on-learner violence in Gauteng.

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