“School violence microcosm of society,” says trauma specialist

September 6, 2023 57

Trauma specialist, Professor Malose Langa says violence in schools cannot be prevented until the violence in communities is nipped in the bud.

Professor Langa was reacting to the attempted murder of a primary school teacher, who was allegedly hacked with a panga by her boyfriend.

It is alleged that the boyfriend visited the victim’s workplace, walked straight to her and struck her several times before fleeing.

The man, who is still on the loose, is reported to have committed the alleged crime in front of learners.

The teacher is in a critical condition after suffering multiple injuries to her body, face and head.

Professor Langa says such incidents are an indication that violence in the country is out of control. The scholar has added his voice to the calls for the tightening of the security at schools.

“So, what is happening now is that schools historically did not have bodyguards, they were considered to be safe spaces where both learners and teachers can exist.

“But lately schools have become easy targets,” says Langa. “We need to make sure that public places such as schools are secured, it means we need to securitise schools.”

The KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC has condemned the attack, while the police in the province are appealing to community members, who may have information on the brutal incident, to come forth with information.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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