While South African schools were recovering from the sword-slaying incident at a Krugersdorp high school, three more incidents of violence have been reported.

Two schoolboys were arrested for possession of firearms while a third one is on the run after stabbing a schoolmate yesterday.

Heidelberg police spokesman Captain Thivhulawi Tshilate said: "A 16-year-old Hoër Volkskool pupil was stabbed by a 17-year-old pupil.

"He has since run away and we are looking for him. When we arrest him he will be charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm," said Tshilate.

In Eldorado Park, a 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm after he fired shots at pupils on Monday.

Police spokesman Captain Philemon Khorombi said: "The school principal informed the police about the incident yesterday after the pupils complained to him that the boy had threatened to shoot them.

"Police went to the school and the boy took them to his home where the gun was found in a safe.

"He said the gun belonged to his father. The boy's father was arrested for negligence."

In Pretoria, a 15-year- old pupil was arrested for possession of a firearm. Wonderboompoort police Inspector Wanda Olivier said police had received reports from two principals in the area that the child was travelling between the two schools and carrying a firearm.