Student violence leads to school closure

Avele School was forced to close after police began investigating the alleged violence. Photo / iStock

A school in Samoa has been closed indefinitely due to extreme and sustained violence among its students.

Avele College in Apia was forced to shut its doors yesterday after a police investigation into the alleged violence was launched.

The duties of the prinicipal and teachers were also suspended, Talamua Online News Service reported.

The closure comes after around 16 students were held by police following a fight with students from a nearby college.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoli'ai Sailele Malielegaoi said it appeared some teachers had also been involved in fights.

"With this type of behaviour, Government will not just sit around," he said. "And it may come to a decision to close it for good as so many words have been spoken about the continuing problem with this school."

It has been reported that some students had talked of making bombs with the intention of causing physical harm and potentially even killing other students.

Mr Malielegaoi said it seemed the school were unable to control their children.

Following the closure, the Office of the Attorney General was directed by cabinet to draft legislation to help discourage, stop and prevent violent behaviour, Talamua Online News Service reported.

The school is one of the oldest government run colleges in Samoa. Leaders from various fields and leaders of neighbouring countries such as the Cook Islands have been taught there.