School fights and other forms of violence have become a norm at Vhembe schools in Limpopo. This is the same place where a lot of schools are known to be best performing and producing 100% matric pass rate. Gangsterism, substance abuse and bullying have become the order of the day at the once esteemed schools. A month ago a learner stabbed and seriously injured a security guard at Ligege Secondary School at Duthuni outside Thohoyandou. At Mashau village, a learner at Vhafamadi Secondary wreaked havoc threatening and robbing other learners of their valuables.

PRINCIPAL ACCUSED OF BEING INCOMPETENT

Classes had to be suspended after parents intervened and chased the principal after accusing him of failure to run the school.As if that was not enough, this week again another nasty incident took place at Nngweni Secondary School in the Makhado area. During the incident that took place on Monday, two Grade 11 learners got involved in a fight that turned ugly when they stabbed each other. It is alleged both learners were injured during the incident, one sustaining a cut on the hand and the other was stabbed on the shoulder. The injured learners were taken to the nearest clinic and the matter was later referred to the police.

WEAPONS TO SCHOOL

School Governing Body chairperson Joseph Mariba said the incidents have disorganised the school and left many in shock."                                                                         On Friday a learner was attacked and his hand was broken and is in a plaster. When we were still putting our heads together for the Friday case, on Monday two learners stabbed each other and again another one was attacked and injured on Tuesday morning. We are in a state of shock as these incidents are happening at a time when exams are approaching.We will be having a meeting with all the relevant stakeholders and see to it that this issue is resolved before a life is lost," Mariba said, adding that they have been informed that there are two rival gangs fighting for supremacy at the school.Limpopo Education Department Mike Maringa said the two learners attend the same class."It is alleged that they brought a knife and an axe to school, the injured learners were taken to the nearest clinic and the matter was later referred to the police,' said Maringa. Last year 15-year-old Lufuno Mavhungu allegedly committed suicide after overdosing on pills after being bullied by a fellow learner at Mbilwi Secondary school in Thohoyandou.

DISRUPTING LEARNING

Limpopo Department of Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya said that school violence is destructive and affects learning and teaching.The MEC added that she will convene a seminar to address bullying, gangsterism and in-school violence next month to seek ways to address the challenges."I want to make a plea to parents, teachers and all the interested stakeholders to ensure that our schools remain a place of learning. I am disturbed by the report of learners who stabbed each other with dangerous weapons that are not permitted in our school premises," Lerule-Ramakhanya said.The MEC says school violence is destructive and affects learning and teaching, most especially now when matric learners are busy with the preparatory examinations. Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the police are investigating three cases of assault with intent to cause bodily harm.

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