“We don’t want to create the impression that there are black people going around with scissors and stabbing everyone who is white.” These were the words of Soutpansberg-North Circuit Manager of Education Dr Sampie Phaswana in reaction to a violent stabbing incident that took place at Eric Louw High School in Musina.

According to the school, the incident happened on the school grounds last Thursday, just as the school day was drawing to an end.

The 16-year-old André Park had to be hospitalized when a fellow scholar pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed him in his chest. The identity of the accused is known to the newspaper but is being withheld due to the fact that he is a minor involved in a criminal case.

The 15-year-old scholar, who was charged with assault, was released into the custody of his parents and appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

According to information supplied by the circuit office and the school governing body, the boys had had an argument earlier in the day. Afterwards, the boys continued the argument near the school exit.

Teachers who rushed to the scene applied first aid and rushed André to the Musina hospital, where he was stabilised. He had to receive further treatment at the Zoutpansberg Private Hospital. André’s mother, ms. Kathleen Theunissen, told the Zoutpansberger  that their whole family had been extremley traumitized by the matter. According to her, the scissors missed his heart and vital arteries by centimetres.

After the incident, the circuit office called on the public not to look at the matter as a racist attack. This follows reports that the circuit office received about parents of the school who are allegedly inciting scholars to rebel against the black scholars.

“The principal and her management team should be given time and space to do their internal investigations,” said Phaswana. He further confirmed that the circuit office was in daily discussions with the school to ensure that the investigations remained on track. “Rules are there for everyone, and the law should take its course,” said Phaswana.

In the meantime, Andrè is recovering at home after he was released from hospital on Saturday. He might also face criminal charges, depending on what further investigations might reveal.

The other boy was allowed back to school after his court appearance and is, according to Phaswana, showing remorse for his actions.