KNIVES dangle on their trousers for all to see.
These pupils from Kgothalang Secondary in Bekkersdal, Gauteng, said they carry them for self-protection.
Gangster fights at the school have parents and teachers worried concerned as fights persist.
Earlier this week after a tip-off, pupils were searched and what police and teachers found in school bags was shocking.
They found okapis, pangas and several other knives in school bags, others hidden in isolated spots in the school premises, and this angered parents.
SGB chairwoman, Rejoice Seemise, said it was sad that instead of focusing on their education, pupils choose gangsterism.
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Leader of the neighborhood watch, Lucky Mosimane, said they received tip-offs from other pupils who are ready to learn. They alerted us on where to find some of the weapons hidden in the school premises.
"We found knives and pangas. Pupils say it's for their protection. We're not going to allow youngsters to bring terror in our schools and ekasi," she said.
Seemise said she gave the weapons to the principal to deal with them.
"For the past years, the community has been proud of Kgothalang's good performance, but now we're disappointed with some of the things unruly pupils do at the school, " said another parent.
"We'll try everything under our power to resist any violent behavior in the school," said the SGB chairwoman.
Steve Mabona, spokesman for Gauteng Education, said officials will be sent to the school to investigate.
