Teachers knew boy had problems
2008-08-19 19:02
Johannesburg - The teachers of Nic Diederichs Technical High School in Krugersdorp were aware that the boy accused of killing a Grade-nine pupil with a sword had behavioural problems.
The 18-year-old pupil allegedly killed Jacques Pretorius, 16, with a sword on Monday and injured another boy and two workers.
On what might have caused the incident, Gauteng education MEC Angie Motshekga on Tuesday said teachers had noticed that he had behavioural problems as he had become withdrawn in the past five months.
"The teachers were aware of his behavioural problems but could not get him to open up," Motshekga said during an address to the media outside the school.
No vision
School principal Mac Redelinghuys said the "sword killer" had no vision for the future.
"This was picked up during a panel discussion with matric pupils last week Thursday. His silly answers were a cause for concern," said Redelinghuys.
He said a decision had been taken to follow up on this behaviour but that it was now too late.
"He has never given any trouble since he started Grade eight in the school. We were just worried about him not having a vision, we were not aware of the underlying problem," he said.
Redelinghuys added that the school was faced with a challenge of emotional safety, as most of their pupils came from broken homes.
The school had a "support team" made up of teachers and outside agencies that attended to pupils on a regular basis.
Barred from school
The matric will not be allowed back into the school.
Motshekga said the department was looking at an alternative for the boy.
"[Matrics] are starting their exams next week, we do not want any further disruptions. If he is granted bail, he will not be immediately allowed back to the school, we are looking at an alternative," she said.
Motshekga said it would not be desirable for the staff and pupils to allow him back into the school, adding that it would traumatise them.
Security measures had been increased at the school.
"Police will be present to monitor and see if there are any threats to the pupils and staff," said Motshekga.
The student, who was due to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, faces charges of murder and attempted murder.
- SAPA