…And learners fear for their life
By Molefi Sompane
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BOTSHABELO – A gang of more than 40 youths chanting initiation songs last week rampaged through schools in Botshabelo stabbing learners they accused of refusing to join them in the initiation camp and forcing some schools to release learners early in case they be harmed.
A witness said on Friday, August 17 that a 40-member gang armed with knives and machetes stabbed learners of the Nkgothatseng Secondary School.
“We heard loud screaming from girls who were alarmed when they witnessed boys at their school, stabbing learners and accusing them of not joining them.
“They were also insulting them using vulgar language characteristic of learners at initiation school. The gang was chanting and singing mountain songs,” he said.
MohanweRatshepe a community member said he heard learners at ThariyaTshepe Intermediate screaming.
“It was not good, all the learners were wailing. I saw two who was bruised and stabbed,” Ratshepe said. The incidents resumed on Monday forcing students at the local Motheo Campus to abandon classes and chose to go home in case they be targeted.
“This wastes our time. Police are supposed to be patrolling the area but they give the so called born to be killers to shine.” complained one of the students Rachel Mekhoe.
Parents are worried.
National Congress of School Governing Bodies (NCSGBs) Secretary General, HloboMonokwane slammed the barbaric attack on learners
“The recent barbaric attacks by the group of criminals called BTK (Born To Kill) in Botshabelo against innocent pupils and members of community at large is criminal,” he said. These attacks on innocent people started last week and gathered momentum which led to total disruption of learning as it continues to instil fear and uncertainty to the community.”
Monokwane pleaded with the community organisations to help police restore order in Botshabelo.
“We need to join hands with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and help expose these proponents of anarchy in our midst, these children come from our homes and endanger the community in their quest to establish disorder in our community,” he said.
According to the police spokesperson Constable Consolation Mokwale not all of the schools were affected.
“The matter is being investigated. Both Boithuso and Botshabelo police are working together to bring the suspects to book,” she said.
