KZN Education department calls on parents to act to combat school violence after Northdale pupil stabbing

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has urged parents to take greater responsibility in tackling school-related violence, warning that the crisis cannot be left to teachers alone.

This follows the stabbing of a matric pupil in Northdale in Pietermaritzburg on Monday afternoon, in what is believed to be part of a series of violent clashes between pupils from rival schools in the area.

Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the involvement of weapons in such incidents raised serious concern.

“The issue of violence in schools is a big problem, especially if they even bring weapons from home. We are appealing to the parents to talk to their children about this, not let it be the problem of the teachers. They must not shift the responsibility. This is a problem that the Department alone cannot solve,” he said.

The latest attack took place shortly after the pupil had written a trial exam.

According to private security company Mi7 National, the pupil and a friend were waiting for scholar transport when they were confronted by a group of pupils from a rival school who arrived in a parked vehicle.

“The pair attempted to flee, and the friend managed to get away. However, the pupil was cornered and beaten with sticks and Sjamboks by at least half a dozen attackers. During the altercation, he was also stabbed repeatedly,” Mi7 said in a statement.

Emergency responders treated the pupil on the scene. “Mi7 Emergency Medical Services attended to the pupil, stabilised him with Advanced Life Support interventions, and transported him to hospital for further care,” the company said.

The incident sparked a coordinated security response.

“A description of the vehicle used in the attack was circulated, and a search ensued. Eventually, the vehicle was spotted and brought to a halt by various security roleplayers near an informant settlement on Khan Road in the Raisethorpe CBD,” Mi7 confirmed.

The driver of the vehicle escaped and remains at large. “It is believed he was in possession of a firearm as ammunition was found in the vehicle,” the company reported.

Five male pupils, all under 18 and linked to the rival school, were arrested. “They were found in possession of Sjamboks, pangas, bush knives, and other types of weapons,” Mi7 said.

While investigations continue, Mi7 said the incident appears to be part of wider tensions between schools in the Northdale area.

“Several known clashes have taken place between pupils since the beginning of the year,” the company noted.

Mahlambi stressed that parents must play an active role to prevent further bloodshed. “This is not a problem the Department can resolve on its own,” he emphasised.

THE MERCURY