Eerste River Secondary school assembly turns violent: Two learners stabbed
Emergency services respond to a serious stabbing incident involving two learners during a school assembly at Eerste River Secondary.
Image: screenshot of video
Barely a month into the new school year, police and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirm that two learners, Grade 9 and 12, have stabbed one another during the assembly at Eerste River Secondary on Thursday.
It is understood the learners are currently being treated medically at a facility and are in a serious condition, with a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm opened. The learners were apparently involved in an altercation at the time of the stabbing incident.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, explained: “Kleinvlei police are currently on the scene of a stabbing incident at a secondary school in Beverley Street, Eerste River. Preliminary reports suggest that two learners stabbed each other and were taken to a medical facility for treatment where their conditions are serious.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm cases were registered for investigation.
“Anyone with any information about this incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.”
Bronagh Hammond, Director of Communications for the WCED, said the school is expected to institute disciplinary action against the learners and confirmed that the duo were being treated medically.
“Initial reports indicate that this morning, during the school assembly, a Grade 9 and a Grade 12 learner got into an altercation and allegedly stabbed each other,” she explained. “The two learners have been sent to a medical facility for medical attention.
“SAPS have been informed and the school will institute disciplinary procedures.
“There is no further information at this stage.”
In September, the Cape Argus reported that the WCED shockingly revealed they have received 454 incidents of assault on school property between January 2025 and July 2025 involving learners.
The National Professional Teacher’s Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) reported that since January 2025, 563 children have fallen victim to violence, leading to high absenteeism and victimisation, with gangsterism spilling over into the classroom.
Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for MEC for Education, David Maynier, confirmed that assaults on school grounds around the Western Cape included a number of incidents involving the use of weapons in physical altercations.
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Cape Argus