In less than a month, the Sedibeng region has seen more than four educators, including three principals and one teacher, hijacked and kidnapped outside their school premises.

• Yesterday, a principal from Govan Mbeki Primary School in Drieziek, Orange Farm was hijacked outside the school premises and later found in Soweto.The principal’s car was recovered around Orange Farm after his abduction.
• On November 30, a hijacking and abduction case was opened following the kidnapping of a principal at Emfuleni Primary School in Bophelong.
• Less than a week earlier, on November 24, a principal and her colleague were kidnapped at Lakeside High School.Following their abduction, they were robbed and dumped at a cemetery in Poortjie.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Gauteng SAPS provincial spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed yesterday’s incident.

“We can confirm that a principal at Govan Mbeki was hijacked and kidnapped. However, his car recovered, and he was later found. We are investigating a case of kidnapping and hijacking. At this moment no suspect has been arrested and investigations are underway,” he said.

Sedibeng National Association of School Governing Bodies Secretary Thabiso Radebe condemned the criminals targeting schools.

“We have learnt with serious shock about the criminal incidents where two school principals were hijacked. We are comforted that the victims were found alive and believe the police will do all possible investigations to find the [criminals].”

The Department of Education did not comment on the matter at the time of publication.