Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education MEC Mbali Frazer has condemned the attack and robbery of pupils and teachers who were conducting an overnight study session at Georgetown High School in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
Frazer expressed her shock and disappointment regarding the incident in a statement on Sunday.
She said the pupils and teachers were attacked and robbed of their valuables and cash.
“Three armed men are said to have broken into the premises by cutting through the fence of the school. They also reportedly held a security guard at gunpoint and demanded keys for the offices,” the KZN Department of Education said.
According to the department, the security guard and educators refused to give the keys to the armed men.
As a result the suspects fired a series of gunshots at the padlocks in an attempt to open them, said the department.
“After several failed attempts to break the padlocks, the gunmen climbed over the wall to gain entry into the classrooms where the learners were busy with the study session. They robbed them of their cell phones and cash,” said the department.
The MEC condemned the incident and called for the police to leave no stone unturned in order to apprehend these criminals.
“The community must help the police in identifying these criminals. We must remember that safety in schools is the responsibility of everyone in the community. If these criminals are not arrested, they will continue with their cruelty in our schools and in society”, said Frazer.
Frazer thanked the parents who were able to swiftly make their way to the school to provide the necessary support to the learners.
“Learners were seriously traumatised by the incident and the parents who quickly came to the school played a big role in calming them down so we really want to thank them,” she said.
The department said it would continue to monitor the pupils and provide the necessary support needed.