Lesufi Concerned About Robberies at Two Schools After Start of Academic Year

With just a week after the start of the new academic year, criminals have broken into two schools in the province stealing valuable equipment and compromising the safety of employees. 

In the first incident, three armed suspects entered the Caiphus Nyoka Secondary School in Etwatwa on Monday and allegedly assaulted the principal in front of her colleagues.

The Gauteng Education Departments Steve Mabona said those who witnessed the abuse informed the principal that she was not wanted by some community members at the school. 

“Subsequently, the suspects emptied their victim’s bags and took their car keys, cellphones, and laptops. The police are investigating circumstances surrounding this incident. Our employees are receiving necessary trauma counselling from employee wellness, the psycho social team was also sent to the school upon learning about this horrific event.”

Meanwhile, four armed suspects entered the Leeuwpoort Primary School in Germiston on Saturday and held the general assistant hostage while they ransacked the administration block. 

The suspects  demanded the keys to all the offices but only gained entry into storeroom, staffroom, admin office and deputy principal’s office. 

Mabona said the suspects fled with a number of valuable items. 

“They caused a significant amount of damage to the offices they broke into, having also vandalized the camera server and alarm system radio. The cost estimated value of the damage is still been determined.  Investigations by the police into this robbery are ongoing.”

Mabonda added that Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has expressed concern about the robberies saying the education department discouraged communities from threatening the lives of  employees with violence as they play a significant role in community development.