Students attack teacher

AN Enga secondary school teacher was attacked and slashed by three bush knife-wielding students on June 6.
The trio also attacked and slashed a security guard who tried to stop the schoolboys.
The teacher was rushed to Mambisanda Lutheran Hospital’s intensive care unit in Wapenamanda where his condition was stabilised.
The teacher, who is also the school’s deputy principal, was later referred to Wabag General Hospital for further treatment.
It is believed that the students had attacked the teacher after a school students’ representative vice-president allegedly breached the school’s disciplinary rules (dressing code).
The student refused to accept punishment, an argument followed and the teacher referred the student to the school disciplinary committee.
The student and two others then turned violent and attacked the teacher with bush knives and fled.
Provincial police commander Chief Supt Joseph Tondop said: “I strongly condemn the students for assaulting the teacher (with bush knives).
“They are now criminals, and the brutal and violent attack is unacceptable.
“Teachers are parents at school and students must respect and obey whatever instructions given by them.”
“Students must at all times listen to teachers and obey instructions instead of resorting to violence,” he added.
Tondop said problems between teachers and students should be resolved amicably.
“The three students have failed to comply with school rules and regulations.
“They took the law in their hands, set a bad precedence and must now face the law.
“I am appealing to the parents of the suspects (students), community leaders and relatives to hand them over to police within this week.
“These students must surrender to the police to face the law (for seriously injuring the teacher),” he said.
Tondop also appealed to the teacher’s relatives to refrain from taking any retaliatory action.
“We will arrest the students, investigate and take the matter to court,” he added.