Principal and staff held at knifepoint in brazen Chatsworth school robbery
Chatsworth schools are fast becoming soft targets for brazen armed robbers and large organised syndicates, who are storming into the educational facilities and demanding valuables, including laptops, cellphones and money, while threatening the lives of pupils, teachers and principals.
The latest incident occurred at Moorton Heights Primary School in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal. Two armed robbers held the principal, teachers and caretakers at knifepoint, on Tuesday.
All the victims were thrown into the principal’s office.
Still traumatised following the harrowing ordeal, principal of the school, Shakila Panday, described the chain of events to Rising Sun Chatsworth.
Panday said, “I first assumed that the two men, who walked towards me, were parents. However, I then slowly realised that they were robbers. One of the men grabbed my cellphone and proceeded to push me into the school office. It was such a frightening moment as they forced two other caretakers and four teachers into the office as well. They then took our cellphones and ransacked the ladies bags and took whatever valuable items they could, including my laptop. We were ordered to stay in the office before they could leave. As I plucked up the courage to press the panic button, I saw them flee the school premises through the bushes.”
The principal assured parents and members of the community that everything was back to normal at the school.
“Things are now under control, however, we are appealing for police to be more visible, especially as we have children all around us,” she concluded.
A parent, who did not want to be named in fear of reprisal, explained that if action is not taken soon, then schools will continue to be under siege in Chatsworth.
“Security needs to be beefed up and patrols need to be conducted daily around the area, especially in and around the school precinct,” the parent said.
Rani Pillay, a 63-year-old woman residing in the area, stated that the school is in an ‘appalling’ condition and needs to be cleaned up. .
Pillay said, “The bush that is in and around the school needs trimming as it is an easy spot for criminals to hide. We need more security, especially for the children in the area.”
Communications officer of Chatsworth SAPS, Cpt Cheryl Pillay confirmed that on May 11, a business robbery incident occurred at a school in Moorton.
She said, “It is alleged that the suspects had accosted the teachers with a knife. The suspects fled with a laptop and other valuables. The suspects are unknown at this stage. Anyone, who can assist police with investigations, is urged to contact Chatsworth SAPS on 031 451-4310. Alternatively, call Crime Stop on 08600- 10111.”
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