Matatiele schools in turmoil over “Shaderoom Matatiele” WhatsApp Channel fueling violence among learners
Parents, teachers, and learners in Matatiele are deeply concerned about a WhatsApp channel called “Shaderoom Matatiele”, which has sparked tensions and violence among schoolchildren in the area. The channel, reportedly similar to others operating in major cities, has become a platform where members insult one another and spread damaging rumors about learners from various schools.
On Friday, chaos erupted when learners from Focused High School, Bergview College, King Edward High School, and St Monica’s converged at King Edward High. The group was reportedly shouting the name of a Grade 9 learner accused of insulting others and posting negative comments on the channel.
Teachers at King Edward High quickly intervened to protect the targeted learner, escorting her out of the school grounds to ensure her safety. However, sources say the girl has been left traumatized by the incident and has since fled home to hide elsewhere.
“I was called by teachers who told me that my child’s life was in danger,” said the learner’s mother. “There was a mob of students from different schools looking for her, accusing her of writing things about them on a channel we don’t even understand.”
The mother described her own distress after witnessing the anger and aggression directed at her daughter. Another learner was also reportedly slapped during the chaos on the same day.
Shockingly, eyewitnesses claim that some teachers accompanied the mob of students from their respective schools during the confrontation.
In response, a small group of parents and learners staying in a local hostel convened a meeting on Saturday to discuss the mysterious Shaderoom Matatiele channel and attempt to identify who created it.
The matter has since been reported to the police, who confirmed that they are investigating the incident.
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