WATCH | Pupils hold teachers and cops hostage over schoolmate’s ‘suicide’

“It is reported that the child left a suicide note to say what caused the death and then the learners at the school picketed and it became violent,” he told TimesLIVE.

The pupils overturned a police vehicle which prompted the call for three more police vehicles to the scene, which the pupils pelted with stones, Mabizela said.

“The station commander sent more units to the scene and they were able to disperse the pupils,” he said. 

Five minors were arrested for public violence and will appear in court soon after consulting social workers.

“The procedures for children are different but they will eventually appear in court,” Mabizela said, suggesting the children may have been released into their parents' care.

TimesLIVE 

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.