Education Ministry probes Keetmans hostel
The Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into the state of affairs at the hostel of the JA Nel Secondary School in Keetmanshoop after eight of the school’s pupils were charged with several murders and robberies.
Ministry spokesperson Johanna Absalom confirmed the investigation to Namibian Sun.
Stephanus Kapuka, 18, Valentinus Brandt, 18, Hercules Orum, 18, and Matias Motinga, 18, as well as four minors who may not be identified, were arrested for three murders and two robberies committed at the town recently.
The investigation at the hostel was ordered after the parents of the arrested boys questioned the supervision at the hostel.
The boys allegedly snuck out of the hostel to commit the crimes, and one of them even disappeared for more than a week.
“It is unfortunate that the children managed to sneak from the hostel to commit such atrocities. Our school system has seen learners go through our disciplinary measures that include suspension from the hostel or school for such kind of behaviour. It is unfortunate that this incident had to go to such extents,†said Absalom.
She added that such behaviour could be attributed to general societal issues confronting the Namibian nation.
According to her the ministry has observed with concern the weakening moral values and discipline among children.
Absalom said there have been repeated calls for collective responsibility on the part of schools, teachers, principals, parents, businesspeople and education authorities.
“For as much as the ministry will put all its efforts into disciplining children and teaching them the morals of society, the other partners must also do their part,†she stressed.
“In most cases when such behaviour is detected we try to involve and alert the parents or the guardians. In cases where the school counsellors or the life skills teachers encounter difficulties, the learners are referred to a social worker.â€
Although there have been calls in the past for separate detention facilities for children suspected of crimes, she said that was outside the education ministry’s mandate.
“We uphold the laws of the country and all criminal offenders or suspects should be treated in accordance with the law and let justice prevail. In fact, our Education Act number 16 of 2001 stipulates under section 26 (1) that: “a learner commits misconduct if he/she is convicted of a criminal offence in a court of law and sentenced to a period of imprisonment or to a fine exceeding N$100.â€
WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT
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