STABBED AT SCHOOL

A GRADE 10 learner from Cravenby Combined School is lucky to be alive after being stabbed innie bors by a fellow learner during school hours on Tuesday.

The attack, which allegedly stemmed from an attempted bicycle theft, has raised serious concerns about security at the Ravensmead school in Cape Town.

The victim was rushed to hospital following the incident and is currently recovering.

According to a concerned parent, who asked not to be named, the incident began the day before when a Grade 8 learner allegedly tried to steal the victim’s bicycle.

The parent explained: “On Monday, a Grade 8 learner allegedly tried to steal the victim’s bicycle and a fight broke out after he was caught.

“And then the following day the now-suspect showed up at school and stabbed the other learner.”

The parent claimed that the knife used in the attack had been brought onto the school premises by an outsider, highlighting a broader issue of ongoing security breaches.

The ouer adds: “The parent’s concern is about the perimeter of the school. There are gangsters who jump over the school fence frequently. I believe the weapon was brought into the school by an outsider.

“This is a serious matter. If that boy had put [more] pressure, the victim would have been stabbed in the heart. The school needs to emphasise better security. It could have been my child... body.

“It is bad. It’s in the middle of exams and the trauma that the other learners had to go through is not right.”

In response to the incident, the school principal issued a letter to parents acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.

The letter stated: “There was an unfortunate incident at school where a Grade 10 learner was stabbed with a knife by a fellow learner. All relevant authorities were immediately contacted, including the department and the police.

“The School Governing Body (SGB) will now deal with the disciplinary matter in terms of the school’s code of conduct for learners.

“We urge parents to have a conversation with their children to report any misconduct and not to take any matters into their own hands, as well as to stay away from any incidents that may lead to suspension or expulsion from school.

“The SGB regards the safety of all our learners as high priority and will act with the necessary urgency against any person who threatens the safety of our learners.”

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the incident and provided further details.

She said: “A Grade 8 learner allegedly stabbed a Grade 10 learner yesterday at school. The perpetrator immediately fled the scene.

“The school arranged for immediate medical assistance and the victim was transported to hospital. The victim is thankfully recovering. The school will institute disciplinary procedures and has provided counselling to learners.”

Western Cape police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said while Ravensmead police are aware of the incident but there are no cases opened as yet.