The community of Fransfontein is calling for the suspension of some teachers at Frans Fredricks Combined School for taking learners to the police after a heated debate among them.
The heated debate began during a Manchester United and Arsenal match, leading to the police taking 22 learners into custody and allegedly whipping them.
Residents of Fransfontein submitted a petition to the Swartbooi Traditional Authority Chief Charles |Uirab.
"The boys weren't in good condition; some couldn't see, some were just lying down, and most of them were just standing as they were in a lot of pain," said Beauty Bowe, speaking on behalf of the residents.
The male learners were allegedly taken to Khorixas District Hospital for medical attention.
The boys' bruises and swelling were visible in photos that were sent to the NBC News team.
Parents are demanding that teachers who took learners to the police be suspended.
Florencia Shimbike, a school board member, stated, "The teachers are aware that we have specific procedures to follow when such incidents occur. In the case of the hostel, I would have preferred that they involve the superintendent, who is the head of the hostel. Only if she was unable to manage the situation should they have escalated it further."
Board Chairperson Pauline Tsibes was equally surprised by the events. "When the education inspector questioned me, I wasn't aware, but the principal posted something about a gang, and now that I'm hearing from you, there was no gang. I even questioned why the same incident that happened in Otjiwarongo is being repeated here."
The petition delivered to Chief |Uirab requests a thorough investigation and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Chief |Uirab acknowledged that while disciplining children is not wrong, it should never be done brutally.
"There must be an orderly way to discipline children. Especially if you are a teacher, you are a guardian of these children at the school, so you must have a particular way of disciplining them."
The petition is also addressed to the Education Minister, Education Director and Kunene Governor.