A Newcastle school had to close early on Wednesday after pupils from three local schools stormed the office of a school principal accused of attacking a senior colleague.
The chaos at Siyabonga High School in Osizweni started after school principal Sipho Mlotshwa reported for work despite being on suspension for the alleged attack.
Police and education officials intervened and immediately instructed Mlotshwa to leave the school.
He was suspended last week after he had allegedly assaulted his second deputy Thembelihle Mbhele, several times with a knife handle.
Police spokesman Captain Shoes Magudulela said Mlotshwa appeared at the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court where he was released on R100 bail on Monday.
A teacher at the school said Mlotshwa joined other teachers during the morning prayer on Wednesday.
The trouble started when the principal had a staff meeting and tried to address the teachers about the attack.
“He had just told us that we should not take sides on the matter when a group of our pupils and others from nearby schools approached the staff room, toyi-toying,” said the teacher.
Police immediately escorted Mlotshwa from the school. Pupils from nearby Xolani and Thembalentsha high schools had also joined the Siyabonga pupils to protest against Mlotshwa.
Education spokesman Muzi Mahlambi said Mlotshwa had been handed a suspension letter last week and told not to return to work.
Mbhele claimed that Mlotshwa had punched him after accusing him of being late for work. Mlotshswa then allegedly pulled a home-made knife from under his desk and struck him repeatedly on the head with the handle.
Mbhele was later treated for head injuries at Madadeni Provincial Hospital.
Police said the school was closed for the day. - The Mercury