PORT ELIZABETH - CELLPHONE FOOTAGE OF PLAYGROUND BRAWLS PROMPTS EASTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION

Two prominent Port Elizabeth schools have been rocked by cellphone footage of vicious playground brawls‚ prompting an investigation by the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

The fights at Pearson and Framesby high schools have once again put the spotlight on school violence‚ including bullying.

In the first video‚ published by The Herald on Monday‚ two Pearson High girls are seen slapping‚ punching and kicking each other in a 40-second clip taken on Tuesday.

The names of the girls – believed to be a matric pupil and a Grade 8 pupil‚ although this could not be verified – are known to The Herald.

The second video captured a one-minute melee that exploded on Wednesday at Framesby High‚ with dozens of pupils involved in the fracas.

It is not clear what started the two fights‚ but the principals of both schools have promised harsh action.

Pearson High principal Andre van Staden said: “Our school has strong disciplinary structures and standards in place.

“The individuals involved will be dealt with accordingly and will have to bear the consequences.”

Framesby High principal Jan Stroebel said he was unaware of the brawl but would find out who the pupils involved were.

Education spokesman Malibongwe Mtima condemned the incidents.




VIA - timeslive.co.za