A group of learners from Parkfield Primary School took to the streets of Hanover Park earlier this morning in an emotional plea for peace, calling for an end to the ongoing stone-throwing incidents that have become common in several communities.

The young children marched through the area holding placards and chanting messages of peace, hoping to inspire change and bring an end to the violence affecting the community.

The Hanover Park Community Police Forum (CPF) spokesperson, Kashiefa Mohammed, stressed that stone-throwing has become a serious challenge in the community, with children as young as nine years old engaging in this dangerous activity.

“The stone-throwing in the community has become out of control. Schoolchildren are fearful of being struck, as incidents start as early as 7 a.m. and continue again when they return from school. Our children are living in fear.”

Mohammed further added that despite several interventions aimed at ending the stone-throwing attacks, many parents of the children involved continue to turn a blind eye.

“Parents must take accountability and address the issue because it is becoming a danger. These children don’t care if they harm people or property. Parents must take responsibility for the actions of their children.”

Mohammed emphasised that while gun violence continues to tear through the community and bring its own safety concerns, the stone-throwing needs to end.

“It does not just end with stone-throwing. We see shots fired after these attacks, and it seems like it has become more dangerous. We need the community to stand together and bring an end to this violence.”