Three educators were held at gunpoint during an armed robbery and hijacking at Allingham Primary School in Phoenix on Wednesday, 14 October, as armed suspects fled with a teacher’s vehicle, laptops, cellphones and other valuables.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) head Prem Balram said reaction officers were dispatched to the school at approximately 7.19am following reports of a robbery in progress.
“On arrival, officers established that three armed suspects had allegedly arrived at the premises in a white Volkswagen Golf GTI before holding up the educators,” said Balram.
The suspects reportedly fled with a white BMW 320i sedan, two cellphones, two laptops, keys and a handbag containing cash and other personal belongings. The educators were left traumatised by the ordeal and received medical attention at the scene.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for improved school safety, with the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) expressing concern over the threat of crime against educators and learners.
NAPTOSA spokesperson Thirona Moodley said the organisation was deeply disturbed by the robbery, which occurred as the educators arrived at school to prepare for the day’s teaching.
“The educators were accosted and robbed at gunpoint on their way to do what they do every day: prepare to teach and care for our children,” said Moodley.
She said the organisation was grateful that no one was physically injured and no lives were lost, but warned that the psychological impact of being held at gunpoint should not be underestimated.
Moodley said NAPTOSA would make support available to affected members and extended its thoughts to the educators, their families and the wider school community. She described the incident as part of a worrying pattern of crime targeting schools, educators and learners, adding that the organisation’s calls for improved school safety had continued to go unanswered.
“The Department of Education must be reminded that, as the employer, it is responsible for the safety of its employees,” she said.
Moodley added that condolences and promises made after incidents were not a substitute for preventative action, warning that educators could not be expected to perform their duties effectively while fearing for their safety.
Tracker South Africa and private security companies subsequently joined forces to trace the stolen vehicle. The suspects allegedly drove the BMW down an embankment near Inanda before abandoning it and fleeing on foot. Police are investigating the incident.
The Department of Education was contacted for comment but had not responded to queries at the time of going to print.
