NCape schools crisis worsens

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Oliphantshoek, Northern Cape - The schooling situation in the Northern Cape district municipality of John Taolo Gaetsewe has deteriorated, following an attempted petrol bombing, an official said on Thursday.

“It's worse. The petrol bomb intimidated more students and the turn-out at study camps (and schools) became worse...,” said basic education spokesman Panyaza Lesufi.

“The mediators will be briefing the department tomorrow (Friday) as to the detailed situation, and what needs to be done to get kids back into school.”

Lieutenant Andrea Cloete said the bomb did not strike the house at which it was thrown.

Lesufi said the house, in Olifantshoek, belonged to the parents of a school pupil.

A total of 41 of the 65 schools in the municipality have been closed since June because of intimidation.

Locals were protesting about a lack of tarred roads in the municipality.

Democratic Alliance education spokeswoman Annette Lovemore said in a statement the situation required police intervention.

She said the DA would call on Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa to bring in extra police to put an end to the lawlessness in the area.

Lovemore said she had made numerous attempts to contact the Olifantshoek police station, but that her calls had gone unanswered. - Sapa