A group of tardy pupils just outside Tongaat were shocked to be caught by Acting KZN premier and education MEC Senzo Mchunu as they ambled to school after 9am yesterday.

Mchunu spotted Qoqulwazi High School pupils on his way back from a visit to Maguyana Primary School in Driefontein.

Mchunu and members of the provincial cabinet were in the area as part of operation Sukuma Sakhe.

The acting premier, together with a KwaDukuza delegation, also found several younger children of school-going age playing in a nearby park.

When pupils did not respond to Mchunu’s questions of why they were out of school and uniform, he marched them into the school, where classrooms were almost empty, and demanded an explanation.

He was then told the school’s principal had been on unauthorised sick leave since August 12 without informing her immediate supervisor.

A pupil was also found with dagga in his pencil case and a knife in his pocket.

“We cannot allow this lawlessness in our schools. What is going on? Children are supposed to be in a safe environment free of crime and drugs,” said Mchunu.

Mchunu ordered KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu to “do something” about the situation.

Mthembu said he would call a meeting of parents and teachers before the end of next week.