- Six armed men stormed Phaphani High School in KwaNobuhle, stealing phones, laptops and cash while teachers met in the boardroom.
- The Uitenhage District Taxi Association has pledged to guard all study camps in Kariega for free, working with police and metro officers.
Matric learners at Phaphani High School in Kariega were left terrified after armed robbers stormed the school in broad daylight during exam preparations.
The attack has forced the local taxi industry to step in to protect learners and teachers at all study camps in the area.
On Wednesday, 29 October, six men wearing reflector jackets entered the school boardroom in KwaNobuhle while a meeting between teachers and the School Governing Body was under way.
“One of the suspects had a gun and told everyone to lie down,” said police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg.
The gang stole nine phones and three laptops before forcing the school principal to transfer money from her bank account. They fled in a maroon Haval H2, which was later found abandoned.
The Department of Education is facing criticism over poor school security as parents and officials question whether study camps can continue safely.
The Uitenhage District Taxi Association has since stepped in, promising to patrol and protect all registered matric study camps in Kariega, including Despatch, Langa and KwaNobuhle.
Spokesperson Lubabalo Vesele said they are not asking for payment. “We just want those running the camps to register with sector police so we know where to send patrols.”
He said metro police had joined their efforts to form a strong community safety network.
“Our job is to protect our community and our children,” said Vesele. “We are sharing our resources because we put people first.”
Police have opened a case of business robbery and investigations are continuing.
Pictured above: Patrollers at Phaphani High School after the robbery.
Image source: Supplied
