Eight learners from Sibelius High School in Retreat have been suspended for allegedly fighting with their Heathfield High School counterparts in an incident widely shared on social media last week.
Law enforcement officers had to be called in to disperse learners who were in a physical fight on Tuesday 12 September.
In a social media post, a resident wrote that she was speechless to witness the fight: “Lots of commotion between Heathfield High and Sibelius pupils at Sibelius Avenue earlier, law enforcement involved, but no injuries, I am speechless!”
Commenting on the post, another resident claimed the fight began between two boys on Friday 8 September.
“This started last week Friday already. A Heathfield High boy got into a fight at school, so he decided to go and fetch boys from Sibelius High to fight his battles.”
Meanwhile, a former learner commented that parents needed to take responsibility for the behaviour of their children.
“Bullying is unacceptable. However, I blame the government for abolishing corporal punishment years ago. I went to Sibelius High and am very proud of the school. Parents need to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour as a discipline starts at home.
“We are quick to point fingers at the school and forget that the school educates and does not teach manners and discipline.”
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that eight learners were suspended and facing disciplinary action.
“The WCED has been made aware of an ongoing dispute between learners at Sibelius High School and Heathfield High School. The reason for this dispute has yet to be accurately confirmed.
“The actions of the learners (are) unacceptable and cannot be condoned. There have been alleged incidents on both sides. Sibelius has suspended eight learners who will face disciplinary action.”
Hammond adds that Heathfield has yet to identify the learners involved from their school. “Heathfield High is in the process of investigating yesterday’s incident (Tuesday 12 September) and identifying the learners involved. They will then implement disciplinary procedures.
“Law enforcement was on scene and dispersed the learners. There were no reported incidents today (Wednesday 13 September). The schools are being monitored.”
