Cape Town - A teacher who was threatened by a gunman in her classroom says she fears going back to school and may leave the teaching profession.
Early last month, a man forced his way into a classroom at Dr Nelson R Mandela High School in Crossroads and pulled a gun on Maureen Gcantsana, 54, in front of her Grade 9 class. She said the man was accompanied by one of her pupils.
“He (the man) asked if I’m Miss Gcantsana. He said: ‘I have been sent to you’. The gun was pointed at my face.”
Gcantsana said a psychologist had booked her off work until next month, but she was afraid to return as other teachers had told her the pupil was still at school. She was not aware of any disciplinary action being taken against the boy. “I’m so afraid to go back. Other teachers are telling me the school is a mess. I’m thinking of looking for another job.”
Western Cape Education Department spokesman Paddy Attwell confirmed that the pupil was at school.
“The school suspended the learner for seven days, in line with procedure, pending a disciplinary hearing. The hearing has not yet taken place.”
The department was paying for security guards at the gate. The circuit team would have further talks with Gcantsana about her concerns.
Cape Argus