The newly-appointed minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, has urged the minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, to prioritise a swift investigation into the violent incident that occurred at Matsediso primary school in Katlehong on Monday.
This call comes after a distressing video of a prominent preacher and his allegedly bodyguards, armed with pangas and guns, went viral earlier this week.
In the video, Pastor Mboro is seen inside a primary school swinging a panga at the school staff members as they exit the premises of the school with two children who are believed to be his grandchildren.
Gwarube said that scenes like these in schools can never be acceptable.
“This is the kind of violence that should be condemned and prevented in our schools. Educators and learners cannot be expected to perform optimally when they are subjected to the risk of such senseless violence at any moment,” she said.
“It is for this reason that I have engaged with Minister Mchunu, to immediately ensure that the South African Police Services investigate this matter urgently. We need to understand the facts and then ensure appropriate action is taken.”
She further stated that in order to forfend violence issues in schools, school communities, law enforcement agencies, community policing fora, and provincial education officials have to collaborate.
“As for the people who perpetrate violence against our learners and educators – we should not rest until they have been apprehended and held accountable for their crimes,” said Minister Gwarube.
The Department of Basic Education recently issued a statement stating that it is already working with the MEC for Education in Gauteng to resolve the matter at Matsediso Primary School.
“The Gauteng Education Department, working with the principal and governing body of the school, should ensure that appropriate support is provided to affected educators, staff and learners and that effective steps are taken to improve safety at the school,” reads the statement.
