Concerns over safety have been raised after a 14-year-old student was stabbed by robbers just meters outside the gates of Raisethorpe Secondary School earlier this week.
The incident occurred as the Grade 10 pupil, who had been dropped off by his mother, was walking towards the school gate. Two individuals from the area approached him, demanding money and his cellphone.
According to the student’s mother, he had his phone with him for an upcoming school excursion, as she wanted him to have a means of communication. The robbers attempted to forcibly take his phone, leading the student to resist. Unfortunately, during the struggle, he was stabbed in the thigh.
“He normally does not take his phone to school, but since they were going on an excursion, I told him he could take it with so he can contact me to come fetch him when they are back from the excursion.
“He told me that they were trying to get his phone from him by force. “My son put up a fight and he was able to free himself from them. Unfortunately, before he could run away, they stabbed him on his thigh,” said the mother.
While the student received prompt medical attention and was able to proceed with the excursion, the emotional impact of the incident prevented him from attending school the following day.
Expressing her concerns, the mother emphasized the ongoing issue of vagrants in the vicinity of Dr Chota Motala Road and appealed for intervention from the authorities to address the security challenges faced by students and residents in the area.
Principal Pragalathan Gounden of Raisethorpe Secondary School confirmed the incident and assured that the student is recovering.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for heightened security measures in and around schools, with parents and school authorities urging local authorities to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of students and residents in the community.
Efforts to bolster security and address vagrancy issues in the area are underway, highlighting the collective efforts needed to safeguard public spaces and protect individuals, particularly students, from such alarming incidents.
Article written by:
Thabile Duma
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar