Classes were interrupted yesterday when teachers and learners were robbed at gunpoint by six armed criminals at a school in Chatty township, Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. The incident happened at Alfonso Arries Primary School, where learners were left terrified.

THE ROBBERY

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said it is alleged that about six armed suspects entered the school premises and targeted the secretary as well as the admin offices. School staff were ordered to the ground, and the suspects demanded valuables and cellphones. The teachers who received their salaries Tuesday were forced to transfer their money to the criminal's accounts. "They took a gold Toyota Etios and left the premises. A total of four laptops and eight cellphones as well as various personal belongings were stolen. No persons were injured in the incident," Beetge said. He added that a short while later, the stolen car was found abandoned, not far from the school. "A case of business robbery was opened and being investigated by SAPS Chatty," Beetge said.

COUNSELLING

SGB Chairperson Bulali Rawana confirmed that classes had to be put on hold while they were dealing with the incident. "We condemn these criminal elements by all means possible. Given the harsh and unimaginable circumstances under which this criminal act occurred, we have no doubt that both our learners and educators are traumatised beyond imagination," Rawana said. Rawana told ZiMoja that, as the SGB, they decided to suspend classes today. "We will be engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including the department of education, Metro Police, and SAPS, to ensure more security controls at the school," he said. Rawana further said that they are also urgently trying to see to it that counselling is provided to both learners and educators. EC Department of Education Mali Mtima said that they are aware of the incident. "Yesterday, the school reported the matter to the department, and later on the day, the Community Policing Forum held a meeting with the school and the parents to find a solution to fight the scourge because it is becoming a norm that teachers are being robbed inside the school premises. We will have another meeting with the parents and teachers to find a solution to fighting this. We want the parents to work hand in hand with the teachers and the security personnel at the school," he said.