Residents in Tafelsig are calling for urgent police visibility after two boys were stabbed near Tafelsig High School on Wednesday morning.

The attack, which allegedly happened after the boys were chased into Tafelberg Road, has deepened concern about Tafelsig school violence and gang-linked conflict affecting learners in the Mitchells Plain area.

Community says violence is spilling into streets

A Daily Voice source said the two boys were believed to be from Tafelsig High School. One boy was reportedly injured near the eye, while the other was believed to have been injured on the arm.

The source said a community member took the boys away after the attack. The person also claimed the stabbing may have been linked to retaliation, but this has not been confirmed by police.

Community activist and Pakhuis Neighbourhood Watch captain Bahia Claasen said one parent opened a case. She said the attackers were “school dropouts” who were targeting schoolchildren.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that an assault common case had been registered. No further police details on arrests or the boys’ condition were available from the supplied report.

Tafelsig school violence raises wider safety fears

Residents say Tafelsig school violence has become a growing concern around the school and nearby streets. Claasen said she has been asking for stronger police presence since last year.

“This did not just start today. It has been happening since last year, and we are not getting help from police. We need visibility on every corner in Tafelsig,” Claasen said.

The latest incident follows earlier tension at Tafelsig High. According to the supplied report, fears of a planned shutdown by the Representative Council of Learners caused disruption earlier this month. Parents also raised concerns about teacher shortages, safety and unstable learning conditions.

A community member said teachers were staying away because they could not cope with pressure from unruly learners. The person said the situation had become a “double-edged sword” because children were then left without consistent teaching.

Previous school stabbing adds context

The latest case is not the only recent school safety concern in Tafelsig. In September 2025, EWN reported that an 18-year-old learner from a Mitchells Plain high school had been arrested for allegedly stabbing four classmates after an argument between Grade 10 learners.

Daily Voice also reported in September 2025 that police investigated an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm case after three learners were stabbed at a secondary school in Tafelsig.

The Western Cape Government says the WCED Safe Schools Programme supports schools through safety training, anti-bullying programmes, conflict management, peer mediation, youth development and trauma support. It also says the programme works with SAPS, the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement division and other partners.

Responses and next steps

Residents now want both police and parents to act before more children are hurt. Claasen said visibility in Tafelsig remained a priority, especially around schools and routes used by learners.

Police previously urged communities to report incidents, while residents say more visible policing is needed to prevent violence before it escalates.