Racial Tensions Erupt at Durban School, Leaving Three Pupils Injured

KEY POINTS

• Three pupils were stabbed and hospitalized following a racial altercation at Centenary Secondary School in Asherville, Durban.
• The incident began inside the school and spilled out onto the streets, with videos circulating on social media showing pupils attacking one another.
• The school has promised to resume normal classes on Wednesday, but parents and eyewitnesses are calling for greater action to address the underlying issues and prevent similar incidents in the future.

A disturbing incident of racial violence erupted at Centenary Secondary School in Asherville, Durban, on Tuesday, leaving three pupils seriously injured and hospitalised.

The altercation, which began inside the school, spilled out onto the streets, with videos circulating on social media showing pupils attacking one another.

According to an urgent notice issued by the school to parents, classes were dismissed at 9:30 am due to “circumstances that have arisen.” However, the notice reassured parents that school would continue as normal on Wednesday.

Witnesses Describe Chaos as Security Agents Struggle to Contain Violence 

Eyewitnesses, including neighbors who filmed the incident, questioned why security personnel did not intervene to prevent the violence. The dRK Tactical control room confirmed to newsmen that three children sustained serious wounds in the altercation.

“There was a racial altercation inside the school. Three pupils were stabbed and taken to hospital. Security personnel and police responded to the incident,” a representative said.

A voice note from an individual claiming to have witnessed the incident urged parents of those involved to gather at the school on Wednesday. He alleged that police were called when the fight broke out inside the school but were unable to calm the situation.

“They tried to calm the situation but it didn’t work. The children were let out and even parents got involved, hitting some children. The governing body needs to take firm action. Parents must come together at the school tomorrow [Wednesday],” he said.

The incident has raised concerns about racial tensions and violence in schools. The school’s decision to resume normal classes on Wednesday has been met with skepticism by some parents, who are calling for greater action to address the underlying issues.