Mental evaluation for Harmse

2008-08-27 14:19

Johannesburg - The Department of Education has condemned the attack in which a pupil allegedly killed a fellow schoolboy with a sword, and said it was doing everything in its power to reduce and prevent school violence.

"The incident has had a devastating effect on the learners."

Morne Harmse, 18, appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where a psychiatrist who evaluated him while he was being held in Krugersdorp prison testified.

The psychiatrist, Molefi Litheko, said Harmse said he had seen a ghost in a field on a farm his parents rented, which instructed him to become a Satanist.

Litheko said Harmse seemed depressed and recommended he be sent for psychiatric evaluation at Sterkfontein mental hospital. Magistrate Christa Breedt ruled that Harmse be sent there on Wednesday.

The case was postponed until September 26, when it was expected that the results of the mental evaluations would be presented.

Positive values needed

The education department said while secure physical infrastructure was important in preventing violence, the incident at Nic Diederichs school showed this was not enough.

"The school had adequate safety facilities and infrastructure. It has, fencing, cameras in strategic places as well as access control and an alarm."

The department said the school was considered "fairly stable" as no previous violent incidents had occurred before the sword attack.

Schools like this needed to teach positive values, said the department.

'Horrible violence'

"The key to significantly reducing violence in our society is located in the promotion of respect and tolerance."

The African Christian Democratic Party's Gauteng leader Lydia Meshoe said on Wednesday that the music Harmse listened to must have led to him allegedly committing the crime.

The mask Harmse wore during the attack apparently resembled that of a band called Slipknot.

"We are convinced that his interest in the band Slipknot led to the horrible violence that took place this week".

Parents should do their utmost to maintain "loving communication" with their children and check whether the music they listen to is acceptable, said Meshoe.

- SAPA