Gauteng schools robbed: Principal targeted in assault, valuables TAKEN

Gauteng police are investigating two robberies which occurred at schools in the province just recently, prompting concern from Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi over safety and security.

In the latest incident, Lesufi’s office says a robbery took place at Caiphus Nyoka Secondary School in Etwatwa on Monday, 17 January 2022, where three men gained entry into the premises by claiming they had an appointment with the principal.

“According to information at our disposal, upon arriving in the office; the said suspects drew firearms and ordered the principal, patroller, administrator and the deputy principal to lie down on the floor. The suspects allegedly proceeded to assault the principal in front of her colleagues. It is reported by those who witnessed this abuse that the suspects informed the principal she is not wanted by some community members at the school,” said spokesperson Steve Mabona.

The suspects are then said to have emptied all the victims’ bags, taking their car keys, cellphones and laptops. After fleeing the scene, a learner from a neighboring school brought the car keys of both the principal and deputy principal, claiming he got them from unknown men who told him to take them to the school.

ROBBERS RANSACK GERMISTON SCHOOL, HOLD STAFFER HOSTAGE

In another incident, a general assistant at Leeuwpoort Primary School in Germiston was confronted by four armed men who held him hostage while they ransacked the administration block. They allegedly tied the man with an electrical cord and made him lie face down on the floor. They demanded all the keys so that they can open all the offices, however, they only managed to open the storeroom and used forced entry into the staffroom, admin office, deputy principal’s office as well as the ceiling of the storeroom.

Some of the items stolen include a laptop, music sound system, grass trimmer, leaf blower, grinder, sanitisers, nutrition stock, milk packs and R250 petty cash. The suspects also caused “significant damage” to the offices they broke into, having also vandalised the camera server and alarm system radio.

“We discourage members of our community from threatening the lives of our employees with violence as they play a significant role in community development. Schools and their employees must be protected by the community at all costs. We continue to denounce all criminals who derail the future of our children by stealing from our schools, how can people steal food of their children or fellow community members? Indeed, this is sad,”

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi