MASOYI – On the same day, Musa Mashabane, the principal of Khulani Primary School, said two men gained access through the fence and cornered educators in a staffroom at gunpoint.

They robbed them of cellphones, laptops as well as an undisclosed amount of cash, and then fled the scene. “No one was injured during the incident. We do have security at our premises, but these thugs managed to bypass them. We quickly notified the police and the swift response resulted in the arrest of the two,” Mashabane said. A provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, confirmed the attacks at the two schools and that suspects had been arrested.

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“The two suspects, aged betweeen 30 and 40, were found in possession of the suspected stolen property and could possibly be linked to the two business robberies,” he said.

The spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Jasper Zwane, said they welcomed the swiftness of the law enforcement agencies in apprehending those allegedly behind the school robberies.

“We extend our appreciation to those who alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the suspects. These arrests will send a clear message that crime does not pay and that schools are meant to be safe havens at all times. We have sent officials to render counselling to those who were affected by these incidents,” said Zwane.