This follows an incident where a student suffered a head injury as a result of a gang of attackers carrying knives and pangas. Protesters burned tyres outside the Greenpoint High School in Kimberley on Thursday (27/7).

Learners in grades 8 and 9 were allegedly attacked in front of the school by gang members who do not attend the same school. One of the boys was able to flee and make it out safely, while the other student was trapped. The pupil is still in hospital receiving medical treatment following the stabbing incident.

Parents reported that there was no response to gang-related and violent occurrences at the school.

Burning tyres outside the Greenpoint High School. Photo supplied

“The police attended to the scene and diffused a protest in front of the school following complaints of recent fights among pupils.”

“A meeting was held on Thursday (27/7) morning with the police and other relevant roleplayers to discuss the way forward and no cases have been registered with the police yet,” says Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergio Kock.

The Northern Cape Education Department organised several meetings with the parents, the school administration, the school's governing body, community-based organisations, and the police to address the issue.

“The department and the school cannot take responsibility for criminal activities that occur in our communities outside the school premises.”

“The school community must take hands with the SAPS to address the social ills and community safety challenges in Greenpoint,” says Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe.

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