The Gauteng Department of Education has condemned an incident at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, where three men violently threatened teachers and learners.
In a series of videos that have gone viral on social media, three men armed with pangas and an assault rifle are seen threatening to attack teachers on the school premises. Two learners were caught in the crossfire.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says, “A well-known South African pastor is seen wielding pangas and threatening to attack teachers on the school premises. Disturbingly, another man is seen grabbing two learners, who were caught in the crossfire of this violent ordeal, while another is wielding an assault rifle.”
“This violent and appalling behaviour has no place in our schools or our society. According to a preliminary report at our disposal, a conflict between two families over the custody of the boy learners enrolled at the school, in Grade RR and Grade 2, has been escalating,” Mabona adds.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe tweeted that Gauteng police are investigating the incident.
Mathe mentioned that a team of detectives has taken statements from witnesses and all suspects involved at the police station.
These thugs must be found pic.twitter.com/Z2mL7OZnXH
— Matome Chiloane (@matomekopano) August 5, 2024
GP police are investigating an incident in which heavily armed men and a man wielding a panga can be seen at a primary school in Katlehong. A team of detectives are currently taking statements from witnesses & all suspects concerned at the police station. An update will be given pic.twitter.com/1SenMuBdNx
— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) August 5, 2024
MEDIA STATEMENT
Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC, @matomekopano, vehemently condemns the reprehensible incident that occurred today at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong, where three men violently threatened the livelihoods of teachers & learners. pic.twitter.com/VGviqeASFf
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) August 5, 2024