The Minister of Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka, has criticized the robbery of teachers at Zamokuhle Primary School, KwaMashu.
According to Hlomuka, the incident took place on Friday, and the suspects are said to have pointed guns at the teachers during the incident.
He said that on the day of the incident, the suspects stormed the school, armed, arrested the security guard, and proceeded to rob the teachers, robbing them of their various belongings. It turns out that they didn’t stop there, but also forced them to withdraw their hard-earned money from banks using apps.
“This act is barbaric and cowardly where perpetrators attack those dedicated to the work of building the future of the country. Our teachers must be protected at all times. They must not work under the pressure of violence,” said Hlomuka.
He pointed out that the incident left teachers and students mentally disturbed, and said that the department is working with the police to ensure that the suspects are caught quickly.
“There is a case of armed robbery that has been opened by the police following the incident. We urge anyone who may have useful information to contact the police immediately,” said Hlomuka.
He also pointed out that the affected teachers as well as the students, received psychological counseling, while security was increased in this school as well as in others in the area.
“This incident is an attack on the future of the country as well as the province. We cannot allow criminals to turn our schools into places for incidents of this kind,” he said.
He said schools should continue to be safe places for learning and teaching.
He then urged the communities to cooperate with the anti-crime agencies as well as the department to protect the schools.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said KwaMashu police are investigating a case of robbery at a school in D on Friday.
“Reports indicate that three unknown suspects, who were armed with guns, stormed the school, robbed the teachers and the security guard of their belongings,” said Netshiunda.
He confirmed that the suspects also forced the robbers to withdraw their money from the banks. He said no shots were fired and no one was injured. He stated that no one has been arrested yet.