Learners at Phoenix High School in Manenberg are still in shock after a Grade 12 learner was stabbed over an entjie on Tuesday.
According to one learner, the victim was slashed in the back of his neck when he refused to share his cigarette with a Grade 10 learner.
The victim walked off with his classmates but the younger learner wouldn’t let it go.
“I thought it was a pen but I heard it was a knife, I am not sure about that,” says the pupil.
“The other guy was so relaxed after the argument and walked away but the stabber kept on and on.
“The next thing he attacked him. He was bleeding and yoh, it was scary man.”
The pupil adds: “Yes, learners do fight sometimes but they do not stab each other.
“What happened could have been worse, what if he died.
“If we are not safe at school then we are not safe anywhere, mos.
“Look, we have just started with school now and this happens.”
The pupil says smoking during school intervals is common and some boys demand others bring them entjies or give them theirs but “you cannot report it mos, you are not even allowed to be smoking at school so that is why it sometimes ends with guys fighting.”
The school principal was not available for comment and the Daily Voice was informed that the stabbed boy and alleged perpetrator were not at school on Wednesday.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says: “A Grade 12 learner was stabbed during the school interval.
“He is in a stable condition and his injuries are not serious thankfully. The alleged perpetrator is in Grade 10.
“Disciplinary action will follow. We wish the learner a fast recovery.
“The WCED has contacted the school to render support.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirms that police attended the scene: “This office can confirm that police responded to a complaint today at the mentioned school, no criminal case registered for further investigation.”