Chiloane vows to clamp down on school bullies
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has vowed to enforce strict codes of conduct amid a rise in school bullying incidents.
Chiloane visited Lesedi Secondary School in Tshwane on Friday following the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Lethabo Mokonyane outside the school’s premises on Tuesday.
Mokonyane was killed while boarding a scholar bus after writing his Grade 11 examinations.
Two suspects, including a pupil at the school, were arrested on Friday morning.
READ More: Two pupils arrested for deadly stabbing at Pretoria school
Speaking at the school, Chiloane said gangsterism and bullying will not be tolerated in schools.
“Fighting is wrong. We are going to enforce discipline, and when we enforce discipline, we are going to protect learners. Bullying is not going to be tolerated,” said Chiloane.
"The minute you bully or are suspected of bullying, we will suspend you and send you back to your parents because clearly your aim is to disrupt the learning process of others.“
Chiloane urged pupils to report any incidents of bullying to their teachers or principal, or send him messages on his personal Facebook page.
“Speak out when you are being bullied. Speak out, do not be quiet. Or tell the principal because some are scared to talk to the teachers.
“You know what others do, they send me messages on my personal Facebook to say, ‘MEC, we are dealing with bullying and the principal is not doing anything’. I will personally make sure that you are protected,” said Chiloane.
The two arrested pupils are expected to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
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