Violence erupted between schools in Gauteng as principal stabbed while trying to intervene in conflict

Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has slammed a violent clash between West Ridge High and Hoërskool Roodepoort learners on Monday, August 18, which left the Roodepoort principal stabbed while trying to intervene.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said that the violence followed an earlier clash between the two schools’ learners on August 15, which went viral on social media, and escalated on Monday when West Ridge students reportedly sought revenge.

“Preliminary reports state that this violence follows an earlier altercation between learners from the two schools on Friday, 15 August 2025, which went viral on social media. On Monday, 18 August 2025, the situation escalated when a group of West Ridge learners, allegedly seeking revenge, went to Hoërskool Roodepoort, where they attacked learners and pelted cars with stones.”

Mabona added that the Hoërskool Roodepoort principal was stabbed while trying to calm the chaos and was rushed to the hospital, though she has since been discharged. The violent clash also left learners seriously injured.

“Three learners from Hoërskool Roodepoort sustained serious injuries and are receiving the necessary medical care,” Mabona said.

Six Grade 12 boys from West Ridge High School have been suspended for seven days as they await a disciplinary hearing, with further suspensions likely as authorities continue to probe the violent clash, Mabona warned.

The GDE confirmed that a Psycho-Social Support team and employee wellness officers will visit both schools to offer assistance. Additionally, SAPS Roodepoort has been requested to boost security by carrying out unannounced search-and-seizure operations.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has strongly condemned the violent clashes between learners, warning that the safety of both students and educators has been seriously jeopardised.

“It is completely unacceptable that such violence has spilled into our schools, where the safety of both learners and educators has now been compromised. It is even more disturbing that a principal, in her efforts to protect learners, was harmed in the process. We will not allow violence and intimidation to take root in our schools. Law enforcement must ensure that perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions. Our schools must remain centres of safety, learning, and growth, not battlegrounds,” said Chiloane.

The department has reiterated its commitment to maintaining safe learning environments and ensuring that violence in schools is addressed decisively.

The Star

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