Gangsterism in schools makes the environment hostile as gang members take their outside feuds and bring them into the school environment threaten the lives of teachers and students. They carry dangerous weapons and sometimes bring substances to school and this is a growing concern. The latest incident is of a grade 11 learner (21) who stabbed his fellow learner to death  in Vlakfontein, South of Joburg. It is alleged that a  group of boys from Qalabotjha Secondary were fighting outside the school premises on Thursday, 17 November, when a 20-year-old learner was stabbed with a sharp object on the upper body.

DON'T DISRUPT LESSONS

The fight is suspected to be gang related. The learner was taken to the nearest medical care centre where he was certified dead upon arrival. Department of Education spokesman Steve Mabona said :"We implore the community not disrupt schooling and teaching as our Grade 12 learners are still in the process of writing their final exams. We wish to convey our sincerest condolences to the learner's family and the school community at large."

CHILD-HEADED HOMES AND UNEMPLOYED PARENTS

SAPS spokesman Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspect fled the scene but the police launched a manhunt for the suspects. "Police went searching for the suspects and arrested a fellow learner who has since been charged with murder. The motive for the fighting cannot be confirmed at this stage, the investigation is underway. The arrested learner is expected to appear before Lenasia Magistrate Court in due course," said Masondo. Linda Makhathini, a Social Work Manager for the Social Crime Prevention Unit at the National Department of Social Development (DSD), said children who come from child-headed families or whose parents are unemployed, are often involved in gangs. "As the DSD, we must address the social ills in our society. Our department has set up an anti-gang strategy after all nine provinces reported that children are displaying signs that they are part of gangs. The department must deal with this plight of gangsterism, especially in schools,"said Makhathini.

TERRORISING SCHOOLS

Makhathini said a  lot of times what happens in communities happens in the schools. "Threats to safety within a community will have an effect on schools. We believe that if the community can come together with DSD and the police, we can win this fight." Minister of Basic Education, has urged communities to provide assistance in curbing the problem. "What we've decided to do is ask the Department to bring all the relevant stakeholders to find a solution because on our own, there's nothing we can do. Drugs come from outside into our schools, knives come from outside; these gangs are organized outside and begin to terrorise and affect schools," said the Minister.