SKOOL 'GANGS' SUSPENDED

A total of 31 learners have been suspended from a Cape Flats school amid an investigation into violent clashes between two groupings in recent weeks. 

Parents of learners attending Bridgetown High School says they feel safer knowing police have been called in to address the conduct of laaities involved in an alleged drug turf fights. 

Dramatic scenes played out at the school and in the surrounding community over the past two weeks as groups openly clashed with each other and hurled stones. 

At the time scared parents explained there were also racial tensions between coloured and black learners over who was allowed to sell drugs such as dagga and cocaine on the schoolgrounds. 

The clashes also sparked anger from local crimefighters who were forced to patrol the streets around the school to ensure the safety of residents.

This prompted action by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and happy parents say there have been no violent incident following the suspension of the learners. 

A 49-year-old mom, who asked not to be named, says: ‘The Anti-Gang Unit was called in and the laaities were uitgeskud. We heard 31 pupils have been suspended and we are grateful that there has been no violence". 

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed there have been several interventions and engagements by the school in efforts to create stability and ensure a safe learning environment.

She shared: "SAPS had initiated a search and seizure last week. The WCED, together with the senior management and SGB, have arranged for several safety training interventions, bullying and peer mediation and psycho-social support.

"31 learners have been suspended following the events of the 17 to 21 February. They will face a disciplinary hearing. We are aware of one case that has been lodged at SAPS – this is for a separate incident involving a learner and stone throwing at a car." 

She also confirms there have been no fights and explains the school is doing its utmost best to maintain peace and order to instill a positive and safe learning environment for all.

She adds: "They have taken a zero tolerance approach to bad behaviour, and are looking at ways in which to promote and encourage positive values and behaviour going forward." 

At the time of the clashes, Sadu Davids of the Bridgetown Neighbourhood Watch and Community Development Forum explained patrollers and parents were now left to deal with the fallout to ensure safety of the community as laaities hurled bricks and attacked mekaar. 

He explained: "The problems at Bridgetown have been happening for over a year. Yes the patrollers along with the community are trying to safeguard but in Bridgetown the school is the biggest drug house.

"In the area we directly approach those who are merting and ruk them out of their houses at the school we cannot do much. The root of this problem is the drug sales on the school and with the escalating violence we are warning the school that someone will die like this."