The principal and staff members of Caiphus Nyoka Secondary School in Etwatwa are receiving the necessary trauma counselling after they were assaulted and had their belongings stolen during a robbery on January 17.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has expressed concerns about the safety of employees at schools following the robbery.
According to the department, it is alleged three men approached the school gate in the afternoon and pretended they had an appointment with the principal.
Upon arriving in the office, the said the suspects drew firearms and ordered the principal, patroller, administrator and the deputy principal to lie on the floor.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said 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. They subsequently emptied their victims’ bags and took their car keys, cellphones and laptops,” said Mabona.
After the robbery, a learner from a neighbouring school brought the car keys belonging to the principal and deputy principal to the school, saying unknown men gave him the keys and told him to take them to the school.
Mabona said the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“A team was sent to the school upon learning about this horrific event.”
Lesufi said: “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 the food of their children or fellow community members? Indeed, this is sad,” said Lesufi.
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