Armed robbery at Fred Margardie primary school

The first day of school did not go as planned for the staff members at the Fred Margardie Primary School in Eersterust. Four teachers and the principal, Owen Margardie, were held at gunpoint by three men, who demanded that they hand over all the money on site. The fourth suspect allegedly waited in the getaway vehicle.

According to Margardie, the three men entered the premises pretending that they were parents looking for placement in the school. “It is not a far-fetched idea, because we had a big group of parents at the school during the time requesting the same assistance,” he explained.

He said the suspects held them at gunpoint in the office and said they were there to rob the school. They demanded that the financial staff hand over an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing the office. Margardie said that all three men jumped into a vehicle and sped off.

“You always see and read stories about armed robberies, but you never expect it to happen to you. We are all traumatised, but trauma counsellors did assist us and will be conducting follow-up checks on staff members,” he said.

Margardie said he was thankful that none of their pupils witnessed the event.

“We are currently discussing possible procedures with the district and chairperson to up our security.” Warrant Officer Mike Mbewe, police spokesperson, said that no arrests have been made and they are appealing to the community to come forward with any information that might lead to the suspects’ arrests.