Education
Tragedy struck Government College Pankshin
Tragedy struck Government College Pankshin (GCP) on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, as fire engulfed the school’s Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories. The Pankshin Old Boys Association (POBA), led by National President Mr. Kenzy Ngupar, has responded with heartfelt condolences and a call for immediate government intervention.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and the immense loss it has inflicted upon the GCP community,” Mr. Ngupar stated. He acknowledged the substantial economic damage, disruption, and emotional trauma caused by the fire, while expressing gratitude that no lives were lost.
In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Pam Musa, POBA leadership underlined the fire’s impact as a significant setback for the renowned school. They emphasized the critical role of science laboratories in nurturing future generations of scientists and engineers, stressing the need for swift action to restore these vital facilities.
“We earnestly appeal to the Plateau State Government to step forward and extend its support to GCP,” the statement urged. “The rebuilding and re-equipping of the science laboratories must be prioritized to ensure the school’s continued success in producing well-rounded, science-oriented students.”
POBA’s prompt response and urgent call to action highlight the importance of community support and government commitment in the face of such challenges. Their message underscores the need for decisive action to ensure that this unfortunate incident does not impede the educational journey of GCP students.
By focusing on the future and advocating for swift rebuilding efforts, POBA plays a crucial role in helping Government College Pankshin rise from the ashes and reclaim its position as a pillar of science education in the region.
An 11-year-old pupil at Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, South Africa, was allegedly dragged into a school toilet and forcibly circumcised by four older students during break time.
The Grade 5 pupil was reportedly attacked by four Grade 7 students, who allegedly pinned him down before one of them used a sharp blade to remove his foreskin.
The boy was also allegedly threatened with violence if he disclosed the incident to anyone.
According to his mother, the child returned home after the incident but initially refused to tell her what had happened. She later noticed that he was walking unusually and, days later, discovered that he was in severe pain.
The mother said her son eventually showed her his swollen private parts, prompting her to rush him to a doctor.
“He then showed me his swollen private parts and I rushed him to the doctor and it was then that we learned four pupils had circumcised him,” she said.
She said her son told her that the older boys had attacked him in the school toilets during break and threatened to beat him if he told anyone.
The mother subsequently opened a criminal case and refused to allow her son to return to school. Police later persuaded the boy to attend an identity parade, where he reportedly helped identify the four students.
South African Police Service spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was being investigated.
“Our Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit are investigating and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Sibeko said.
The Gauteng Department of Education also confirmed that the matter was under police investigation, while saying the school had not reported any similar circumcision attacks.
Deputy Principal George Mahlungu said the school was shocked by the incident.
“We are perplexed by what happened. This school is a place where a child should be safe,” he said.
The school has about 2,050 pupils between the ages of seven and 15.
A doctor who examined the boy reportedly said the procedure appeared to have been carried out in a manner similar to traditional tribal initiation practices. However, the doctor said a full diagnosis could not be made until the swelling subsided.
The boy’s mother said her son had become traumatised by the incident and was afraid to return to school.
Police investigations are ongoing, and no arrests had been made as of the latest report.
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