Cape Town: Two Plumstead High School Pupils suspended for brandishing weapons and alcohol. The students from Cape Town were captured while still dressed in their school uniform and have been suspended as the investigation in underway.
The Western Cape Education Department (WECD) confirmed that the conduct of the learners is being investigated as the pictures, which were labelled as ‘Scumstead’ and showed two teen boys holding knives, a gun and alcohol.
According to the media images, the learners were seen wagging their tongues over the weekend, as social media users revealed that the images were captured in a lane near the school.
The school then subsequently issued a letter to the parents, saying that an investigation into the disturbing images was underway.
Considering this, the WCED spokesperson – Millicent Merton said that the matter was being dealt with in terms of its code of conduct.
He further confirmed that the investigation is under way. The school is dealing with the matter, mainly in terms of its code of conduct.
As per the sources, the school has met the parents of the learners concerned individually. The learners have now been suspended, considering the precautionary measure, pending as a disciplinary hearing.
Merton said, “The district will provide the necessary support to the school.”
Following this, Chairperson of the Diep River Community Policing Forum (CPF) – Fiona Schwimmbacher said that the police will be engaging with the school management this week.
She said that they have been informed that the matter was not reported by residents living near the school. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is aware of the incident and has engaged with the principal.
According to the station commander – Lieutennat-Colonel Jacobs, no member of the public reported any case for pointing of a firearm.
Schwimmbacher also said that no person was arrested for being illegally in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon. The date and time of the incident were never communicated to the SAPS and therefore, this made it difficult to launch a probe.
However, the SAPS will be doing extra patrols around the school, before and after school daily. She added that they called on parents to monitor their children’s behaviour before and after the school.
Furthermore, they trust that the school administration and the Education Department will thoroughly investigate the matter and address it accordingly.
The students are meant to be in school to learn and develop as future leaders. Their behaviour in the photograph has the potential to lead these young individuals down the wrong path.
Children should be provided with a safe and nurturing environment, for their better growth and thrive as a better human being. Any actions that undermine the goal must met with swift and appropriate action. “From this incident, we plead all the parents to be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s activities, both before and after the school,” said the Chairperson.