Police officers assaulted by High School learners in Bolobedu

Police officers were allegedly assaulted by a group of learners at a high school in Nakampe Village, Bolobedu, Limpopo, on Tuesday, during an incident in which a 16-year-old learner also sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg.‎‎

Police were called to the school to assist with a matter involving a 21-year-old learner who had allegedly made threats at the school.‎‎

Upon arrival, police members were informed of the situation by a teacher and were requested to assist in taking the learner home to fetch his parents.‎‎

After the learner had completed his examination, the police officers approached him and asked him to accompany them. He allegedly resisted and pushed one of the officers, prompting another police member to intervene.‎‎

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During the confrontation, a large group of learners allegedly emerged from their classrooms and began throwing stones and plastic bottles at the police officers.‎‎

As the situation became increasingly volatile, one of the officers allegedly drew his service firearm and fired a warning shot into the ground in an attempt to disperse the crowd.‎‎

The officers subsequently managed to leave the school premises.‎‎Shortly afterwards, police were informed that a 16-year-old learner had sustained an injury to his left leg during the incident.

He was initially taken to a local clinic before being referred to hospital for further medical treatment.‎‎

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The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was informed of the incident and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the learner’s injury.

‎‎Two cases have been opened in connection with the incident: assault on police officers and attempted murder. The circumstances surrounding the attempted murder charge also form part of IPID’s ongoing investigation.

‎‎Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers has urged learners and community members to respect police officers in the execution of their duties and to remain calm and refrain from acts of violence.

‎‎“Police officers have a duty and responsibility to respond to complaints and maintain safety within communities, including schools. Any concerns regarding police conduct must be reported through the appropriate channels and should never result in violence. At the same time, the circumstances surrounding this incident must be thoroughly investigated,” said Lieutenant General Scheepers.