Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation Lebogang Maile described two criminal incidents, one in Waverly and one in Alexandra, reported at and near public schools as a direct attack on the safety, wellbeing, and constitutional right to basic education of learners.

One of the incidents was an alleged hijacking, which reportedly took place near Waverly Girls’ High School gates. Armed suspects allegedly fired shots into the air before fleeing the scene, leaving learners traumatised.

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Reports suggested that, during the unfolding incident, learners remained outside the school premises while law enforcement responded to the situation.

The department is engaging the school management to establish the full facts surrounding these allegations and to determine whether all appropriate safety protocols were followed.

“We condemn these senseless acts of criminality in the strongest possible terms,” noted Maile. “Schools are sacred spaces dedicated to teaching and learning and must never become theatres of violence, fear, or intimidation.

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Criminals who threaten the safety of our children, educators, and school communities have no place in our society and must face the full might of the law.”

The MEC directed departmental officials to work closely with the affected schools, district offices, SAPS, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that learning and teaching continue with minimal disruption.

The department also dispatched psychosocial support teams and trauma counselling personnel to provide immediate emotional and psychological support to learners, educators, and staff affected by these incidents.

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