Warning shots fired
According to SAPS media liaison, Bernadine Steyn, the incident took place at about 09:15. She said that municipal law enforcement (MLE) officers had stopped their vehicle at a group of four males, three of whom are thought to be learners and one adult. "One of the boys was searched during which a knife was found," said Steyn. She said that when the MLE officers attempted to arrest the boy the group allegedly threw stones at them. "One of the members sustained an injury on his hand and their vehicle was damaged. Warning shots were fired," said Steyn.
She confirmed that two criminal cases had been opened for investigation, namely malicious damage to property and common assault.
According to Bitou municipal manager, Allan Paulse, a number of people belonging to a local gang had gathered outside the school and when one of the MLE officers tried to remove them from the scene, a scuffle ensued which resulted in injury to the MLE official and then warning shots were fired.
Gangsterism suspected
The initial report on the matter by Bruce Richardson of the Community Police Forum indicated that there has been a persistent problem at the school with drug dealers/ gangsters loitering outside the school and interacting with the students. As a result, MLE officers have been asked to maintain a presence outside the school.
Paulse confirmed that there have been reports of suspected gangsters outside the school although it cannot be confirmed whether their intention is to deal drugs."According to the station commander of Plettenberg Bay, there is no evidence supporting the allegation that drug transactions are taking place near the school," said Steyn.
According to Richardson's initial report, "Apparently a fight broke out between two brothers attending the school which escalated into an unpleasant and confrontational situation when the 'gangsters' became involved and confronted MLE, who were trying to defuse the situation, by throwing rocks at them resulting in MLE finding it necessary to use pepper spray and ultimately fire three warning shots."
WCED report
Paddy Attwell, Western Cape Education Department (WCED) director of communication, said that according to information received from the school, a group of youths gathered outside the school, apparently trying to make contact with some of the Grade 7 learners. The principal, Colin Wildeman, told them to move away after instructing the Grade 7 learners to go inside.
"At that moment, a vehicle carrying law enforcement officers arrived and asked the principal if he had seen learners outside the school. He pointed out the group that had left. The officers followed the group and apparently told them that they would search them. The group started throwing stones at the officers and their vehicle," said Attwell.
He said that the MLE officers retreated into the school grounds, followed by the youths who then attempted to enter the administration building and classrooms.
Injuries
"One of the youths slapped a teacher during the fracas," said Attwell. Contrary to initial reports that one of the Formosa Primary learners was hit by a stone, the learner in question confirmed that in the commotion which ensued after hearing gunshots, he had in fact injured himself by running into a gate post.
Another learner’s arm was said to have been grazed by a rubber bullet, although this information could not be verified by WCED. Richardson's initial report indicated that two children were struck by shrapnel from ricocheting rounds and were taken to hospital. Paulse said that according to reports from the MLE, no-one was injured as a result of the warning shots.
"The school called the police who detained some of the youths while others ran away. The school contacted parents, Safe Schools and the ambulance service, to take the injured learner to hospital for treatment. The principal and teachers calmed the learners and briefed the parents. A school psychologist and an education specialist from the district office provided counselling. Most parents arranged to take their children home," said Attwell.
Two arrested
According to Steyn, two males were arrested for malicious damage to property and common assault. One suspect (19) appeared in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Monday, November 17 and the other suspect (17) on Wednesday, November 19. The outcome of these two appearances was not known at the time of going to print.
There were allegations that the police were slow to respond to the scene."The response time to this complaint is a matter of internal investigation," said Steyn.
"The police undertook to ensure visible patrols on Monday (November 17) and are investigating further," said Attwell.
Police officers made sure that the school premises was safe following a violent incident in the area. Photo: Ewald Stander.
ARTICLE: CANDICE LUDICK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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