Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane denounced violent confrontations between Hoërskool Roodepoort and West Ridge High School pupils after a principal was stabbed during an attempt to intervene in the fight.
Principal Stabbed in Violent Clashes
Violence erupted at Hoërskool Roodepoort on Monday, 18 August 2025, when a group of learners from West Ridge High School stormed the school grounds. They were present to avenge a fight with Hoërskool Roodepoort learners on Friday, 15 August, which had been circulating on social media.
The mob threw rocks at cars and attacked pupils. The principal of Hoërskool Roodepoort tried to break up the fight, but one learner stabbed her in the hand. Emergency services rushed her to the hospital, where she was treated by doctors before being released later in the day.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) stated that three Hoërskool Roodepoort learners were also critically injured during the fight.
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Six Learners Suspended
The GDE suspended six West Ridge High School Grade 12 boys on Tuesday, 19 August. Authorities named them as the leaders of the assault and prohibited them from attending school for seven days. They will appear before a disciplinary hearing next week.
The department warned it could suspend more learners once investigators verify additional evidence.
Police and Counselling Teams Move In
The GDE summoned the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Roodepoort to stabilise the situation. Police officers will patrol both schools and carry out random search-and-seizure operations to keep weapons out of the schools.
The department also sent its Psycho-Social Support team and employee wellness unit to counsel traumatised staff and pupils. Authorities said these interventions are meant to restore calm and rebuild trust following the violent outbreak.
MEC Chiloane: “Violence Has No Place In Schools
MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the attack strongly, indicating that it was compromising the safety of both teachers and learners.
“Violence does not have a place in our schools. The safety of learners and teachers cannot be negotiated,” said Chiloane.
It is highly unsettling that a principal, in safeguarding learners, was left injured. We will not let intimidation gain a foothold in schools. The police need to hold perpetrators fully accountable. Schools need to continue being centres of safety, learning, and development — not war zones.
Violence In Schools On The Rise
The Roodepoort stabbing is among the increasing number of violent confrontations within South African schools. Gauteng in particular has been witness to an increase in fights, stabbings, and gang violence spilling into classrooms.
Experts warn that social media often fuels these incidents, as videos of fights go viral and encourage retaliation. They urge schools to expand conflict resolution programmes, parental involvement, and learner support structures to address the problem before it escalates further.
Parents and Community Asked to Step In
Parents and community leaders in Roodepoort called for urgent partnership to prevent such occurrences.
Schools can’t battle this on their own,” said one parent. “Parents need to be responsible for the behaviour of their children, watch what they are doing, and step in early before violence does.
Department Promises Tighter Safety Controls
The Gauteng Department of Education undertook to increase police presence at Hoërskool Roodepoort and West Ridge High School and to continue offering psychosocial support to educators and learners.
Both parents and colleagues commended the injured principal for her bravery as she shielded her learners. Many said her actions were a display of selfless leadership during a life-threatening situation.
Take Action: Creating Safer Schools Together
The Roodepoort Hoërskool stabbing illustrates why school safety cannot depend on a single group. Parents, learners, teachers, and communities all need to act.
The parents must speak with their children about discipline, peer pressure, and conflict.
Learners must report threats or violent behaviour immediately.
Teachers should make use of the psychosocial services of the GDE whenever they need them. Together, we can ensure Gauteng schools remain safe havens of learning and development — not violence.
