Violence at schools described as a reflection of our society

 

Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, says the incident involving a 13-year-old shooting his school principal is a reflection of the society we live in.

The incident has sparked concern in the country about the prevalence of violence, which has no trickled into the schooling system.

Speaking to YNews, Makaneta says crime in the country is getting out of control and something has to be done about it.

‘The issue of crime in our school is a cause for great concern. The fact that a 13-year-old boy decided to shoot the principal should be more of a concern,” he adds.

 

It is understood that the Grade 6 learner shot the 51-year-old Primrose Primary School principal after the teacher chastised him and other pupils, ordering them to gather in the school’s foyer to study, which allegedly upset him.

The pre-teen has also been described as a troublesome child who has had a brush with the teachers and had been reported to his parents.

Makaneta says government must find a way to protect teachers and principals from unruly elements.

He says government also needs to consider appointing psychologists to schools to deal with issues that learners might face as this cam also give the children a safe place to turn to.

“Learners have also suffered at the hands of other learners. It is common cause that every year, teachers form part of statistics as a result of violence meted on them by learners. For how long should we lose teachers’ lives? When are we going to have peace in our schools?”, he asked.

Makaneta says a drastic change needs to come about to curb the high rate of violence in schools and communities can also play a role in this.

He has also called on law enforcement agencies to do their part to help bring about justice to all victims of crime at schools.

 

The learner who made his first appearance in the Germiston Magistrates court on Monday will be back in court on the 19th of March.

His father is also on trial for negligence.