Seven men, armed with knives, infiltrated several schools in the Wesselton community and terrorised learners and teachers yesterday.

Some learners of Reggie Masuku Secondary School and its security guard believe that the individuals involved, belong to a notorious gang with a name that sounds like ‘Dracula’, but of which the spelling and meaning is not clear.

The gang members made their way to Reggie Masuku and allegedly Ithafa Secondary School thereafter.

Other schools were made aware of what was happening so they could duly respond and take preventive steps. Police were also dispatched to deal with any threats at some of these schools.

According to a resident who spoke to Highvelder on the condition of anonymity, the community has a history of being terrorised by these thugs. He says that gang-related incidents are increasing.

Information at hand indicates that the gang members threatened to stab a security guard to if he refused them entry to the school grounds.

“I do not have any protective equipment or a weapon to defend myself,” the security guard told the Highvelder.

On entering the school grounds, the men immediately ran to the classrooms, banged on the doors, and ordered learners to vacate the buildings and leave the school premises.

“Learners were screaming as they fled in a state of panic,” the security guard concluded.

Sipho Amos Hlatshwayo, the deputy principal of Reggie Masuku Secondary School, confirmed the incident and explained that, although there have been disruptions at the school in the past, this is the first instance where there was no apparent motive.

“While the school has previously dealt with other incidents, such occurrences were orchestrated by discontented job seekers, local mobilisers or protestors. The recent incident, on the other hand, left students and teachers confused and distraught,” Hlatshwayo said.

Even though the school did not open a case with the local police station, Hlatshwayo assured that if the education circuit deems it necessary after their investigation is concluded, it would take action on the school’s behalf.

The newspaper reached out to Jasper Zwane, head of communication of the Mpumalanga Department of Education as well as the local police. It awaits response.

Update 12:45

Reggie Masuku’s deputy principal, Amos Sipho Hlatshwayo, stated that pupils had returned to school and that teaching and learning have resumed.