By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, today slammed the alleged robbery of several staff members at AB Phokompe High School in Randfontein on Friday, 14 August 2021.
According to Gauteng Department of Education’s Spokesperson, Steve Mabona, initial reports indicated that two armed men arrived at the school on Friday afternoon.
Mabona said the thugs gained entry onto the premises through false pretenses, claiming to have had a scheduled appointment with the principal.
“The men held several educators, as well as the principal, hostage.
“Subsequently, the alleged robbers proceeded to take the personal belongings of the educators and the principal, including items such as cell phones, jewellery, money and 5 laptops.
“It is alleged that the men sought to gain access to the school’s strong room; and were explicitly looking for an employee in charge of the strong room keys. The men fled the scene in a getaway car without gaining access to the strong room.
“All employees who were held hostage also walked away unharmed and will receive counselling from our Psycho-social Unit on Monday, 16 August 2021,” Mabona said.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this case accordingly.
Lesufi condemned “this cowardly act of targeting our schools by criminal elements in our communities and call on the Randfontein community to assist the police in bringing those responsible to book.
“We call upon law enforcement to apprehend these suspects and bring them to justice.”
