Schoolyard bloodshed leaves three pupils wounded in Durban

A surge in violent incidents at schools in Chatsworth and Waterloo has raised fresh concerns, after three pupils were stabbed in separate altercations this week, POST has reported.

On Wednesday, a Grade 12 learner at a school in Moorton, Chatsworth, was allegedly stabbed three times in the head with a pen following a dispute with another pupil.

In a separate incident in Waterloo, near Verulam, two pupils were wounded during a knife attack believed to be linked to an ongoing gang-related conflict that began earlier in the week.

Claude Subramodey, spokesperson for Amawele Emergency Services, said paramedics treated the Chatsworth learner for deep puncture wounds to the head. The pupil was bleeding heavily and required further medical attention at hospital.

“We managed to stabilise him before his parents arrived and chose to transport him privately for further treatment,” Subramodey said.

He noted a troubling pattern emerging at schools, with pupils increasingly using everyday stationery items such as pens, scissors and compasses as weapons during fights.

Since the start of the academic year, Amawele has responded to at least two assault cases at schools each week, he added. Subramodey warned that without intervention, the violence could escalate further.

“We urge parents to instil discipline and teach children to resolve conflict without resorting to violence. If this trend continues, it may only be a matter of time before a fatality occurs,” he said.

Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), confirmed that his teams have also recorded a rise in violent altercations at schools, particularly in the north of Durban.

Responding to the Waterloo incident, Rusa officers found two pupils with stab wounds, while two others allegedly involved had fled the scene.

Balram said knives, including steak and bush knives, are commonly confiscated following such incidents. He added that disputes are often linked to relationships or drug-related tensions, sometimes involving outsiders who are not pupils.

In some cases, groups arrive at schools in vehicles to confront learners after hours, he said.

Balram expressed concern over what he described as parental complicity in certain instances. “Some parents defend their children even when they are clearly involved in bullying or violent behaviour. That support can embolden further misconduct,” he said.

He urged families to seek professional assistance if children are involved in drugs, bullying or violent incidents, and encouraged pupils to walk away from situations that could escalate into physical confrontations.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as calls grow for stronger preventative measures in schools.

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