OFM News previously reported that a group of learners were involved in gang violence and held one of the teachers hostage.

ALSO READ: #SchoolViolence hostage drama leaves Northern Cape teacher traumatised

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Education spokesperson, Sydney Stander, tells OFM News that 30 learners who were involved in the gang violence at the school, were placed on a seven-day precautionary suspension, pending the disciplinary hearing that is currently being prepared by the school governing body. He says officials from the department met with the parents of learners who attended school at Greenpoint, and it was agreed that the school should return to normal following the incident.

“These are troubled learners. One should understand their circumstances. Part of taking them through the process is to make them realise that their conduct is not helpful to the education setup. For now, we are trying to profile them to understand exactly what it is that informed their conduct in the school environment,” adds Stander.

He further adds that the department has involved faith-based leaders, a school safety unit, and the police, amongst others, to ensure that such incidents don’t take place again in the near future. Stander concludes that the department has further pleaded with the police to extend their resources in dealing with drugs in schools. This should include patrolling around schools to ensure that people who sell drugs outside school premises are also dealt with.

OFM News