UPDATE: Hunt on after overseas students attacked in east robbery

A group of 19 international students and two Professors were robbed of personal belongings while a member of the public was shot by a stray bullet.

May 14, 2019

Reitumetse Mahope 2 minutes read

Picture for illustration. Photo: Twitter

The police have launched a manhunt for a group of men who allegedly robbed a pre-school in Mamelodi East on Monday.

Police spokeswoman Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said 19 international students and two professors were reportedly robbed as they arrived at Viva Foundation School in Mamelodi East for an outreach programme.

“It is alleged that the suspects accosted the visitors and robbed them of personal belongings including: laptops, cellphones, cameras, passports, plane tickets, bags and US dollars,” said Peters.

She said a staffer was also assaulted while a member of the public was struck by a stray bullet as the robbers allegedly fired shots randomly as they fled in a white Toyota Quantum with no registration numbers.

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela said as a matter of urgency, “I have tasked a team of detectives to work around the clock and mobilise all necessary resources towards the apprehension of the suspects involved in the robbery of visitors to a school in Lusaka, Mamelodi East”.

“This blatant disrespect for the law to a point of not caring about the safety of little children of this particular pre-school, is a blatant attack on, and undermining the authority of the state.”

He said police would “leave no stone unturned” in ensuring that the suspects were arrested.

“Anyone who may have information that could assist towards the apprehension of the suspects, is urged to contact Mamelodi SAPS or call the crime stop number 08600 10111.”

Mawela also reiterated to police members to prioritise school safety and the investigation of crimes against women and children.

Condemning the “senseless attack”, Tshwane community safety MMC Karen Meyer said that all Tshwane residents deserved to live in a city that was safe.

“It is an extreme display of cowardice and depravity to attack defenceless learners and to gamble with their lives for mere cellphones.”

ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Brooklyn learner shot when bus is robbed

She said she was thankful the learners were safe and would receive counselling for the traumatic incident.

“We are confident that the implementation of the new Tshwane metro police framework for crime prevention will enhance visible policing to deter criminals.

“Senseless violent crime is an abomination in our communities, and these criminals have no place in society,” Meyer said.

Spokesperson Lara Rothwell for Curro Holdings has also asked residents to note that no Curro learner was involved in the incident.

“The Tshwane Metro Police last night confirmed that initial statements linking Curro learners to the incident were factually incorrect.”

“Curro views these allegations in an exceptionally serious light and would like to reassure our parents and communities that no Curro learners were involved in the incident. The safety and security of our learners and staff remain our primary priority,” Rothwell said.

“ The MMC of Community Safety @CityTshwane condemns in the strongest possible terms the senseless attack on school pupils in Lusaka in Mamelodi. A bus transporting pupils from Brooklyn and Curo private schools were robbed at gun point, with one pupil shot and another injured.”

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 13, 2019

It’s shocking when school learners are not safe in our capital city Pretoria. Today’s bus attack in Mamelodi on Brooklyn and Curo private schools learners is a gamble with their lives. Let’s hope @SAPoliceService brings these thugs to book as a matter of urgency ! @Lesufi pic.twitter.com/mTnKSigos6

— Haroon Abramjee (@haroonabramjee) May 13, 2019