Hoërskool Roodepoort principal stabbed in Gauteng rival schools’ clash
School violence in Gauteng: Roodepoort principal injured during clash between pupils from rival schools.
A violent confrontation between Hoërskool Roodepoort and West Ridge High School in Gauteng has left a principal injured and several pupils hospitalised.
The altercation, which first erupted last Friday and quickly spread on social media, intensified on Monday when a group of learners from West Ridge allegedly returned to Hoërskool Roodepoort in retaliation. Stones were hurled at vehicles, pupils were attacked, and three learners sustained serious injuries.
In the chaos, Hoërskool Roodepoort’s principal was stabbed in the hand while attempting to intervene. She was rushed to hospital and has since been discharged.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that six Grade 12 boys from West Ridge High School have been suspended pending disciplinary hearings. Spokesperson Steve Mabona said counselling and psychosocial support teams would be dispatched to assist affected learners and teachers.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the violence, warning that schools must not become battlegrounds.
“We will not allow violence and intimidation to take root in our schools. Law enforcement must ensure that perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions,” Chiloane said.
The Department has also called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to step up security, including unannounced search-and-seizure operations, to prevent further clashes.
