Johannesburg - Bekkersdal residents gathered outside Simunye Secondary School on the West Rand on Monday to protect their children after reported gang violence in the area, police said.
“It is not a protest. We understand parents were there to protect their children,” said Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng.
He could not give further information and referred questions to the education department.
Gauteng education spokeswoman Phumla Sekhonyane said the department became aware of the incident and a safety team was sent to the school.
She said the team worked together with police to stabilise the situation.
“The department's priority is to ensure safety of learners and that there is no disruption in learning and teaching. Our team is working closely with the police to ensure safety at the school.”
She said MEC Panyaza Lesufi prioritised safety and wanted to uproot gangsterism at the schools.
On Monday, Eyewitness News reported that Bekkersdal residents were protesting outside the school, demanding police arrest alleged gangsters there.
According to the report, two people died in an apparent gang violence at the weekend.
Sapa