Hamilton, New Zealand – A disturbing video uploaded to Instagram shows two senior students stomping on the head of a junior high school student as she attempts to protect herself. This incident is just one in a series of violent attacks among students at Mangakōtukutuku College in Hamilton.
The school has been dealing with a string of assaults, including a 13-year-old boy being knocked unconscious by a senior student during a brawl that led to a lockdown back in February. The situation escalated in April when a Limited Statutory Manager was appointed, and the school’s principal, Dr. Thilo Govender, no longer appears to be at the troubled school.
Reports indicate that the attacks are being fueled by an Instagram page bearing the school’s crest, where students are instigating fights and posting videos of the violence on social media platforms. Parents have raised concerns that bullies at the school are picking fights during lunchtime, filming the altercations, and sharing them online.
In one disturbing video posted on the Instagram page, a girl is seen being attacked by two teenagers who kick and stomp on her head as she lies on the ground trying to defend herself. The severity of the assaults has left parents outraged and worried for their children’s safety.
One parent expressed frustration over the lack of alternatives, as the college is the only secondary school within their zoning. Some parents have even considered homeschooling their children due to safety concerns.
The situation has led to calls for increased security measures at the school, with one parent highlighting the need for security guards to be reinstated to ensure the safety of students. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of the violence on students, with many now afraid to attend school due to fear of further attacks.
Authorities have confirmed that police are investigating the recent incident at the college and are working with school officials to address the matter. Despite the ongoing investigations, questions remain unanswered regarding the school’s handling of security issues and the enforcement of government policies, such as a ban on mobile phones in schools.
The community is demanding swift action to address the escalating violence at Mangakōtukutuku College and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.