By Palesa Matlala
• Police seized knives, scissors, drugs, vapes and other dangerous items during a surprise raid at Badirile Secondary School, where one learner was stabbed to death earlier this year.
• Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says five teachers could face disciplinary action while suspected gang linked learners are being questioned after claims of violence and lawlessness at the school.
A surprise raid at one of Gauteng’s most troubled schools has exposed a shocking picture of violence, gang activity and poor discipline.
Police seized knives, scissors, drugs, vapes and even a fork from learners during a search operation at Badirile Secondary School in Khutsong on Tuesday morning.
The operation was led by Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile, who was joined by police and other law enforcement officials.
“We will not tolerate anarchy,” said Maile after inspecting the school.
The raid follows growing concerns about safety at the school, where a 16 year old Grade 9 learner was stabbed to death during a break earlier this year.
Police say at least 10 serious criminal cases involving learners have been reported at the school since January.
Authorities have also identified several groups believed to be causing trouble on the school grounds.
The groups, known as Mawest, Delta and Up 7, are suspected of disrupting teaching and learning.
Several learners believed to have links to these gangs have now been taken in for questioning.
After checking learners’ exercise books, Maile said many pupils were hardly attending classes.
Instead, he claimed some were coming to school only to collect food from the nutrition programme and intimidate teachers and other learners.
“They come to school just to eat the food. They come here to terrorise other learners and educators,” he said.
He said the fatal stabbing earlier this year showed how serious the situation had become.
“At the centre of all this is ill discipline. Some learners are suspended and tear up their suspension letters in front of teachers. We cannot allow that. We cannot have anarchy in our schools,” said Maile.
He also raised concerns about the conduct of some teachers.
Maile said allegations had been made against five educators who were accused of not teaching, failing to report for duty and even visiting taverns during school hours.
He said disciplinary action would be taken if the allegations were proven.
Ironically, he said the complaints about the educators came from their own colleagues, who had already submitted a formal petition against them.
To restore order, Maile has instructed the district director to meet all staff and clearly outline what is expected of them.
An acting principal will also be appointed to help rebuild discipline and improve teaching at the school.
“We want to make sure that in the coming weeks there is order here,” he said.
Badirile Secondary is in the West Rand, an area heavily affected by illegal mining, gang activity and violent crime.
Authorities believe those problems are spilling over into schools and putting learners and teachers at risk.
The Gauteng Department of Education says it will continue working with police and community leaders to improve safety and ensure schools remain places where children can learn without fear.
Pictured above: Police seized knives, drugs and other dangerous items during a surprise raid at Badirile Secondary School in Khutsong.
Image source: Gauteng Department of Education
