Five learners stabbed in alleged racial attack at Glenover Secondary School in KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has expressed deep concern after a violent incident at Glenover Secondary School in Durban, where five learners were stabbed.
In a statement, the department said what began as a minor altercation on the soccer field between two learners regrettably escalated into a broader conflict with racial undertones.
“The school acted swiftly, suspending the four learners directly involved,” said spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi.
The situation worsened later in the day when a group, allegedly including a parent and former learners not involved in the initial altercation, allegedly attacked pupils.
“During this attack, five learners were stabbed.”
The school immediately alerted the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its private security provider.
“We are gravely concerned that this violence was racially motivated and aggravated by adults who should be setting an example of tolerance, peace, and restraint. Glenover Secondary School condemns in the strongest terms all forms of racial violence, discrimination, and conduct that incites division.
“It is deeply disheartening that parents and ex-learners were involved in escalating this violence, undermining the school’s ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka.
He also rejected claims made against school staff, adding: “Unfounded accusations have been levelled against the school’s management and educators, despite their immediate and decisive response to de-escalate the situation.
“We remind our communities that discipline begins at home. Parents play a critical role in instilling values of respect, tolerance, and non-violence. The school’s mandate is to educate, not to constantly correct behaviour that reflects poor guidance at home.”
Hlomuka appealed for calm, stressing that schooling should not be disrupted.
“Today our Grade 12 learners continue with intensive trial examination preparation, while Grades 8 to 11 prepare for their third-term assessments. Any disruption to teaching and learning will compromise the education and future of your children. We therefore ask all parents: do not take matters into your own hands, do not incite violence, and do not endanger your child.”
He further condemned the role of certain community members in fuelling tensions. The department is outraged; he added, by the criminal actions of some community members accused of inciting violence at Glenover Secondary School.
IOL has reached out to police for comment.
IOL News