A joint operation by the EMPD and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has resulted in the closure of an illegal school operating in Tswelopele Extension 6, Winnie Mandela.

Mercy Learning Institute, an unregistered primary school, was previously shut down by the GDE in 2025 after officials discovered it was operating without registration.

Despite the closure, the school reportedly reopened in 2026 and enrolled approximately 160 learners from Grade R to Grade 7.

During the inspection, officials found that learners from Grades 5 to 7 were being taught together in a single classroom.

EMPD media liaison officer Thabiso Makgato said the school was operating using fraudulent documents.

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“We found that the Gauteng Department of Education had previously closed the school, but it reopened and was operating with 160 learners, excluding those in the early childhood development (ECD) programme,” said Makgato.

“The building had no signage indicating that it was a school, and the layout and conditions were deeply concerning. The principal has been arrested on charges of fraud and operating a school illegally. The GDE also confirmed that of the seven teachers employed at the school, only three are qualified.”

The 49-year-old principal was arrested at the scene, and the school was immediately shut down.

Officials described the school’s sanitation facilities as inadequate, noting that one of the toilets contained two toilet seats facing each other.

The closure has left about 160 learners affected. Parents are expected to meet with the GDE to discuss arrangements for the learners’ placement and the way forward.

The school’s monthly fees reportedly ranged between R700 and R750.