Tsakani – Five leaners from Tsakane Secondary School were arrested today (Thursday) following disruptions at school.

According to a statement released by Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, the arrested learners have been disrupting teaching and learning at the school.

A parent has also been arrested for alleged playing a role in encouraging and supporting this disruptive behaviour from the learners.

This act worsened tension within the school environment.

It is claimed that the arrests follow a series of troubling incidents involving a group of learners who have been terrorising the school community.

There have been allegations of bullying, intimidation, threatening fellow learners and educators.

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It is alleged that the perpetrators recently pelted stones during Grade 12 camps, damaging newly replaced school doors, and setting fires in toilets.

“The perpetrators threatened educators and learners with knives, blocked passageways to restrict movement, and extorted money and mobile phones during school hours on August 20.

“One of the arrested learners had been suspended for assaulting a girl learner with a chair, yet he continued to return to the school forcefully, disregarding disciplinary processes.

“Educators have since expressed fear for their safety, with some unable to return to class due to intimidation. Today, the perpetrators allegedly disrupted schooling once again, disrupting the Grade 12 preliminary examinations as well.

“Educators and learners were traumatised by this incident,” said Chiloane.

The GDE strongly condemns these acts of criminality and violence which undermine the safe schooling environment that all learners and educators deserve.

“Schools must remain centres of learning and not spaces of fear or lawlessness. The swift action by police should serve as a deterrent to others who are planning to disrupt our schools.

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“Parents are urged to play an active role in instilling respect and accountability in their children. Threats or intimidation directed at the school or its employees will not be tolerated and will be dealt with through appropriate legal channels,” said Chiloane.

He added that the education department’s psychosocial support will visit the school to provide necessary support to affected learners while employee wellness will focus on educators.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to protect the right to education and to ensure that teaching and learning continue without disruption in Gauteng schools.

“We will not allow our schools to be turned into spaces of violence and intimidation. Every learner has a right to quality education, and every teacher has a right to a safe working environment.

“We commend the SAPS for taking decisive action and assure the community of Tsakani that order will be restored,” said Chiloane.