Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation Lebogang Maile condemned the armed robbery reported at Iphutheng Primary School in Alexandra on July 31.

In a statement, released on August 6, the department revealed that during the incident, suspects reportedly entered the school premises and fired several warning shots, sending learners and educators fleeing in panic.

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The Gauteng education department confirmed that one learner was taken to hospital. “The circumstances surrounding the learner’s hospitalisation remain under investigation. The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded to the scene and investigations are underway.”

Maile described the incident, alongside a second incident near Waverley Girls’ High School, where armed suspects reportedly fired shots into the air during an alleged hijacking incident, as a direct attack on the safety, wellbeing, and constitutional right to basic education of learners.

“We condemn these senseless acts of criminality in the strongest possible terms. Schools are sacred spaces dedicated to teaching and learning, and must never become theatres of violence, fear, or intimidation.”

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He said criminals who threaten the safety of children, educators, and school communities have no place in the society and must face the full might of the law.

According to the statement, Maile has instructed departmental officials to collaborate closely with the affected schools, the district office, SAPS, and other law-enforcement agencies to ensure teaching and learning continue with little disruption.

Psychosocial support teams and trauma counsellors have also been sent by the department to provide emotional and psychological help to the affected learners, educators, and staff.

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The department said it remains committed to strengthening school safety through ongoing partnerships with SAPS, Community Policing Forums, and Gauteng Traffic Wardens, among others.

He further called on the community to support the police by reporting criminal activity and sharing information to assist safeguard schools. “The safety of our children cannot be the responsibility of government alone. It requires all of us to work together.”

The department said it will continue to co-operate fully with law enforcement authorities as investigations into both incidents proceed, and will provide further updates as verified information becomes available.

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