By Buziwe Nocuze
Teachers of Noxolo Xauka Primary School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town were held up at gunpoint by four suspects at the school on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident has raised concerns about the school’s security measures and sparked a broader discussion about crime in the area.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, confirmed the incident and expressed the department’s support for the affected staff members.
“The principal and the staff members will be receiving counselling via our Employee Wellness programme. We are thankful that no physical injuries were reported. However, our thoughts and support are with the colleagues who had to endure such a traumatic experience,” said Hammond.
“We will also engage with the school on their security measures. We sincerely hope that the perpetrators are apprehended.”
The suspects managed to steal a microwave, two computer monitors, and three cellphones before fleeing the scene.
A staff member, who requested to remain anonymous due to fear of being targeted by the suspects, said they were grateful that they weren’t harmed.
“But we are still traumatised. We pray this is the last time something like this happens at our school,” the staff member said.
Khayelitsha resident Nolizwi Ngathane said crime in the area was out of control.
“The sad reality is that no one is safe, criminals are doing whatever they want and they don’t fear anyone,” said Ngathane.
She speculated that the criminals may have deceived the guard to gain entry. But she didn’t blame the security guards, acknowledging that the suspects were armed.
“The security guards at schools don’t have guns. They are just there to open and close the gate for the school visitors,” she said.
Captain Nowonga Sukwana, spokesperson for the Western Cape SAPS, confirmed that the Harare police station is investigating a case of business robbery.
“Two men were armed with firearms, and the other two grabbed cellphones at gunpoint.”
The police are actively searching for the suspects, and no arrests have been made thus far.
Pictured above: Primary school staff were left traumatised after armed suspects robbed the school.
Image source: Buziwe Nocuze
