Hamilton, New Zealand – A disturbing video surfaced on Instagram showing two senior students stomping on the head of a junior high school student as she attempted to flee from her attackers. This violent incident is the latest in a series of assaults among students at Mangakōtukutuku College in Hamilton, which has been plagued by violence since its opening in February. The school made headlines earlier in the year when a 13-year-old boy was knocked unconscious during a brawl, prompting a lockdown.
In response to the escalating violence, a Limited Statutory Manager (LSM) was appointed in April to oversee the school’s operations. The principal, Dr. Thilo Govender, is no longer present at the school, further adding to the turmoil. The assaults seem to be instigated by an Instagram page bearing the school crest, with posts encouraging fights and filming violent encounters to share on social media.
Parents have expressed their concerns about the unsafe environment at the school, with reports of bullies targeting students during lunchtime and escalating conflicts leading to violent confrontations. One harrowing video shows a young girl being repeatedly kicked and stomped on by her peers as she tries to defend herself. The community is growing frustrated with the lack of action taken by the school to address these issues.
Amidst the chaos, parents are faced with difficult decisions about their children’s safety and education. Some have resorted to keeping their children home from school out of fear for their well-being. Security guards were initially assigned to the school following the lockdown, but their presence has since diminished, leaving parents feeling uneasy about the lack of protection for their children.
One parent shared the traumatic experience of her young nephew being seriously injured at the school, highlighting the long-lasting impact of bullying and violence on students. Despite efforts to address the situation through restorative meetings, the aunt emphasized the urgent need for action against the perpetrators to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
The school is now working with the police to investigate the recent incident and address the underlying issues contributing to the violence. As concerns mount over the safety of students at Mangakōtukutuku College, the community is calling for accountability and concrete measures to prevent further harm. The Ministry of Education and school officials have yet to provide clear explanations or solutions to the ongoing crisis, leaving families feeling uncertain about the future of the school.