Pupil stabbed multiple times in fight

A TEENAGER sustained multiple stab wounds after a fight with another girl outside their high school in Chatsworth last week.

The incident was recorded on video and has gone viral on social media.

In the 16-second clip, a group of pupils are seen around two girls who are arguing. One girl jumps up and grabs the other by her hair.

The girls punch and slap each other. A girl is stabbed and, moments later, the crowd disperses.

The principal of the school confirmed the incident.

“From what we understand, two female pupils were fighting. One pupil was armed with a knife and during the fight, she dropped it on the ground. The other pupil picked it up and stabbed her multiple times.

“We are not aware of the circumstances that led to this altercation but we hope to get to the bottom of it soon.”

The principal said he intended to meet the parents of the pupils by the end of this week.

“We can assure the community that we will discuss a way forward and the reason for the altercation with their parents.”

The chairperson of the school’s governing body said an internal investigation would take place.

“We need to look into the reason behind their behaviour, more especially when they behaved in such a manner while still wearing their school uniforms and right outside the school gate.”

KG Mthiyane, the acting circuit manager, said the matter had been brought to his attention.

“Two incidents took place. The first incident involved the two female pupils who fought outside the school premises.

Both parents went to the SAPS and opened cases against each other.”

He said the next day, about 11am, a group who posed as parents of the pupils arrived at the school.

“The family of the stabbed pupil then assaulted a male pupil and accused him of giving the female pupil the knife to stab the other. Educators were insulted in front of the pupils until police officers as well as a security company intervened and dissolved the tension.”

Mthiyane said he had also intervened.

“In my capacity as acting circuit manager, I heeded the call and advised the acting principal to report the matter to the police. On Thursday, March 9, I met the stakeholders at school such as the school management teams and school governing body. The next day, I once again visited the school, met the community leader, and addressed staff and learners.

“My recommendation is that the issues of safety be prioritised and that the stakeholders take a lead in soliciting support from the community, as well as the affected individuals receive counselling. Teaching and learning is currently taking place at the school,” said Mthiyane.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, SAPS spokesperson, said: “Chatsworth police are investigating a case of assault with the purpose to inflict grievous bodily harm and three other cases of assault common, all relating to the fight which allegedly ensued outside a school.

“It is alleged that a fight occurred outside a secondary school in Chatsworth where a learner was stabbed by a fellow learner. The victim was taken to a hospital and discharged. Police are continuing with investigations with no arrests effected,” said Netshiunda.

The parents of the pupils declined to comment.