Stabbing incident at NC school

TWO PUPILS from Carlton van Heerden High School in Upington have been suspended pending internal disciplinary action following a stabbing incident at the school.

The Northern Cape Department of Education said that the two pupils had stabbed each other on the school premises on Tuesday.

“This incident happened on Tuesday following an argument between the two pupils, who are in Grade 10 and Grade 9. Both pupils sustained stab wounds and were referred to hospital for medical attention,” said department spokesperson, Lehuma Ntuane.

The department has also called on the police to assist with searches at the school.

“The police have also been roped in to assist with regular searches and seizures of illegal substances and dangerous weapons. The department will be strengthening school safety controls to curb similar incidences from taking place.

“The department would like to condemn this incident with the strongest contempt it deserves. Such incidents compromise the safety of both pupils and teachers and put lives at risk.

“Post-trauma counselling was provided to pupils who witnessed the incident,” added Ntuane.

Police spokesperson, Captain Jacques September, said the police were aware of the case although no charges have been opened.

“There were no reports taken from anyone as there was no case opened. There is currently no police investigation into the matter and it is totally in the hands of the Education Department.”

A video posted online shows the incident which took place in a classroom in front of fellow pupils.

Some pupils in the class are seen trying to intervene in the fight but are seen running off just seconds later after realising that the two pupils had taken out knives and were stabbing each other.