The department’s spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, says the increase in violence indicates there is a lack of safety, which will hinder schools in delivering great education. He stresses the importance of having the community play its part in fighting violence in schools.

Due to the department overseeing more than 700 000 learners, the department's spokesperson says it will be helpful if parents can assist in making sure children are not misbehaving. This can be done by checking learners’ bags for any dangerous weapons before they leave for school, and when they return.

The departments’ concerns follow after three different incidents resulted in two school pupils losing their lives. A school principal was also killed in an incident this weekend.

The principal of Mooifontein School in Zastron, Andile Ketso, was gunned down on 6 November and the motive of the killing is still unknown. A 19-year-old Grade 12 learner was stabbed by another learner at a matric camp at Tempe, Bloemfontein. In a second incident, a 13-year-old learner, Phemelo More, was stabbed by another 13-year-old, Thabo Hlalele, in front of other learners and teachers at Kegomoditswe Primary. Meanwhile, in Harrismith, a Grade 9 learner at Lerato Thando Secondary was stabbed by a grade 11 learner.

OFM News previously reported Ndaba had condemned violence at schools, and called on all management teams, school governing bodies, and learners to improve school safety and build relationships with police.

OFM News/Corn Koteli