Remaining suspects nabbed for stabbing, robbing Dassenhoek pupils
The remaining two suspects believed to have stabbed and robbed pupils at a high school in Pinetown on Wednesday are behind bars.
They demanded cash, cellphones and other personal items from pupils and teachers.Some of the learners are said to have refused and were overpowered by the robbers and stabbed.
They were taken to hospital. One of the suspects was caught on Wednesday and the others on Thursday.
Two of them are apparently former pupils.
Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu visited the community on Thursday. He says the lack of convictions in school burglary and theft cases is worrying.
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"We are worried that there seems to be a tendency of not following up on these cases. Currently, as we speak, there has not been a single conviction of any person who either stole or vandalised the school or including in such instances because it's not the first time.
"There are teachers who have lost their lives inside the school premises. There have not been really follow-ups in terms of arrests. It is a matter we continue to raise with the police."
At the same time, the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) is calling on communities to take ownership of the schools in their areas.
The union’s Thirona Moodley says they're deeply saddened and shocked by the attack in Dassenhoek.
"We find the senseless attack on learners is actually something that is going to disrupt the schooling year for these learners, but more importantly, it is not a good start to the academic year for these learners.
"We know that the Department of Education does not have funds and the means to actually provide amply security to all schools and it can only rely on communities to actually protect our learners and prevent disruptions anymore in the school year and going forward."
Teachers and pupils at Dassenhoek High School, which fell victim to an armed robbery this week, say they're worried the culprits could strike again.
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One pupil who was stabbed multiple times during an armed robbery at the KwaNdengezi school on Wednesday has told Newswatch how the ordeal has left him shaken and still looking over his shoulder.
Mshengu, said counselling is being offered to those at the school, but the school’s principle says the solution is only temporary as the culprits who strike time and time again are from the KwaNdengezi community.
At times they are the school’s very own present or past pupils.
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