Chapter 1
Learners gathered at the assembly, singing and clapping hands. Everyone was excited about the opening of the school and the term was the last one. Principal Ntho asked the learners to give any suspicious information at the school. “We are aware some learners use drugs inside the school, this is not right. No one is allowed to use drugs inside the school.” Learners listened carefully. “I want you to inform me about these drugs, this is the school of education, not drugs.” During the principal’s speech, Spiro and his friend arrived late and it was clear they sniffed drugs. Tshidiso was an RCL member; he was standing at the gate. “Hey you boy, open this gate before you regret, yourself,” said Killer. No one wanted to open the gate, and Spiro made a scene. “Guys, if you don’t open this gate there will be a bloodshed,” no one wanted to die. RCL members opened the gate with fear, but Tshidiso was not satisfied about their behavior.
These gangsters went straight to the assembly and started to make a noise while the addressing of a principal. “Hey you principal, we are not scared of you. You are useless,” learners laughed, but teachers were aggressive. Mr Ntho called off the assembly with immediate effect.
During the class, Mr Ramatlakane was busy teaching Mathematics. “Okay class, I hope you understand solve for x,” class was delighted. During the Mathematics session, Killer entered in the classroom. “Hey you boy! Leave this class now,” Spiro approached Mr Ramatlakane. “You are not my mother, even in your dreams,” said Spiro with disrespect. Tshidiso wanted to escape but it was too late. Spiro stopped him. “Hey, where are you going? Do not worry my friend, we need to talk,” Spiro was calm. Tshidiso was full of hatred; he wanted to beat him. “You have no right to bully me, please leave this class.” Spiro laughed and laughed. “Wow buddy, I won’t hurt you, but I have important message.” He punched him on the stomach, Tshidiso groaned. This life was difficult for Tshidiso because he saw those delivering drugs inside the school.
Tshidiso stayed with his father Thabo, Thabo was a security officer at airport, he was guarding goods, and he had a gun. Tshidiso was making a homework. “Hey son, how was school?” Tshidiso did not want to show his father something is bothering him.
“Do not worry daddy, everything is fine.”
“I am so glad to hear that,” Thabo was happy. “Son, focus on your schoolwork, education is a key to all success,” Thabo advised his son. “Like I said daddy, I am going to pass.” Thabo poured a juice. He wanted his son to become the best learner.
During the break time, Killer received a stuff from the buyer. During this operation, Tshidiso saw him. “Hey Killer, Tshidiso is going to report us,” Spiro whispered. Killer was ready to beat him but his friend stopped him. Tshidiso rushed to principal's office and found Mr Ntho typing. “Mr Ntho, Spiro, and his friend are having drugs inside the school,” Mr Ntho was happy for the information but he didn't take any action.
Spiro went to Tshidiso’s class after finding out, Spiro punched Tshidiso and classmates made a noise. Tshidiso’s life was difficult and he reported them.
Thabo noticed something at home. “Son, what happened?”
“Nothing daddy, I was protecting other learner,” Tshidiso lied. Thabo saw that his son is lying but he did not entertain it. “Do not worry; it is my duty as RCL member to protect learners. The principal was excited.” Thabo was not happy about it; he thought his son would die because of other learners. “I think you need to quit this RCL of yours, you are going to die,” Thabo advised. Tshidiso did not respond he went to his room.
Tshidiso went to the principal office to get the feedback about the bullying. “Tshidiso, we did not reached these learners. One day I will reprimand them,” said principal. Tshidiso was not happy at all, he thought principal was scared of them. “Principal, these boys will come again.” It was clear principal was scared to face these gangsters. These gangsters brought confusion to other learners; even the teachers were scared to reprimand them. Tshidiso tried to confront principal. “Mr Ntho these boys are doing as they please inside this school.” Principal was not listening. “One day, these boys are going to commit murder if you don’t act.” Tshidiso left the principal and he went to his classroom. Sometimes learners will think dropping out of school is the solution because teachers are scared. Tshidiso was not happy about principal; he went to see Mr Ramatlakane at the stuff room. “Mr Ramatlakane, I am not happy about principal. Spiro and his friend turned this school into a spot of drugs.”
“I hear son, as teachers we are very worried about this issue,” said Mr Ramatlakane. “If you are worried, why don’t you confront principal?” This question was difficult for Mr Ramatlakane to answer it. “Fine sir, it is clear you don’t want to answer. I am going to solve it.” Mr Ramatlakane stopped Tshidiso. “You don’t have to do that, these kids are dangerous. I will go and confront principal.”
After two weeks Spiro and his friend received another stuff and Tshidiso took a video, he went to principal office. “Mr Ntho, I took a video and this is what is happening inside the school.” Principal saw the video and promised Tshidiso to reprimand the boys. Principal went to the boys at the same day. On his arrival, Spiro took out the knife. Principal did not say a word; he turned away. Tshidiso was watching and thought principal was useless.
Tshidiso planned to steal his father’s gun, his father was sleeping. He managed to steal a key and he opened the safe. Killer went to Tshidiso’s class and he found him. “Yes boy, I told you your principal is useless. We are ruling here.” Tshidiso laughed.
“Listen to me you moron! I am not scared of you.” Killer punched him and immediately Tshidiso took the gun out and pointed him. The class made a noise and some went to the principal office. Principal arrived and begged Tshidiso to drop the gun. “Tshidiso drop the gun please.” Said principal. “You failed to bring order inside this school,” Tshidiso cried. “I saw you yesterday, you are scared of them. I tried to warn you but you chose to ignore me.” Principal froze. Tshidiso shot Killer and he died on the spot. Police arrived and Tshidiso was sentenced to 30 years for murder, and Thabo was fired and arrested. This issue made department of education to fire Mr Ntho because he failed to bring order inside the school. Mr Ntho was wlking alone, yes indeed he was alone.
