The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that a Grade 10 learner from Cravenby Combined School is recovering in hospital after being stabbed during an alleged altercation with a fellow student on Tuesday, 3 June, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond, emergency medical services were contacted immediately and the victim was transported to hospital for treatment.
The alleged perpetrator, a Grade 8 learner, fled the scene shortly after the incident.
The altercation at the school was allegedly caused by an attempted bicycle theft that had occurred the day before, a concerned parent told the Cape Argus.
‘On Monday, a grade 8 learner allegedly tried to steal the victim’s bicycle, and a fight broke out after he was caught. And then the following day, the now-suspect showed up at school and stabbed the other learner,’ the publication quoted the parent as saying.
‘The parents’ concern is about the perimeter of the school. There are frequent gangsters who jump over the school fence. I believe the weapon was brought into the school by an outsider.’
The publication added that a letter was issued to parents by the school, acknowledging the severity of the incident.
Bronagh said that, following the traumatic incident, counsellors were dispatched to the school to offer emotional support to learners who were affected by the ordeal. The department also confirmed that the school will be taking disciplinary steps against the alleged perpetrator.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana told Smile FM that Ravensmead police had no record of the incident at the time of publishing and that no criminal case has been opened. Cape Argus, however, reported that while no cases have been opened, Ravensmead police are aware of the incident.
Cape {town} Etc has reached out to SAPS for confirmation and further details.
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Picture: Joshua Hanson / Unsplash
