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Gauteng Education Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi. Image via: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS

Edenglen High School pupils to be suspended over viral fight

Gauteng’s Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has called for the Edenglen High School pupils seen fighting in a viral video, to be suspended

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Gauteng Education Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi. Image via: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS

Gauteng’s Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi wants heads to roll at Edenglen High School, after pupils were seen on camera fighting outside the school premises.

Lesufi visited the Ekurhuleni school on Wednesday, 11 November 2020. Addressing the media following his visit, Lesufi said the learners had been fighting over R25 which had belonged to one of the students.

“We convened this morning. They gave us a report of exactly what happened…It seems somebody had R25 which belonged to someone and they didn’t give (it back),” the MEC said.

In a video clip that went viral on social media, the learners can be seen viciously attacking each other in what appears to be a residential area. In one part of the clip, one boy is being kicked by other students while lying on the ground.

Watch [Graphic content]: Edenglen High School learners fighting

The MEC got wind of the clip on Tuesday, 10 November, which he condemned. According to Lesufi, teachers intervened and brought the learners back to school. The parents were then called to fetch the learners.

Lesufi said the victims have since opened a police case.

“The police arrived this morning to interview those that have information and there is a case that they are investigating. We have given strict instructions to the SGB (school governing body) now that they must identify the suspects, hunt them and suspend them,”

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi

Lesufi said the SGB was still working on a report and would hand him a preliminary version later that afternoon.

The MEC said at least four learners have been identified as not attending the school, something Lesufi expressed concern over. He said that matter would be left to police.

“The school is condemning this. Actually , we are echoing the sentiments of the school. They have taken me through their code of conduct and they have taken me through their disciplinary processes,” Lesufi said.

The MEC also expressed confidence in the school’s ability to deal with the matter.

 “We can’t allow this kind of behavior. We can’t allow this kind of conduct. I also requested that police hunt down those that are not learners so that they can also get their fair of share of justice” the MEC said.