Last day of school celebrations were marred by a brutal robbery when an educator and learners from Shallcross Secondary School were attacked by brazen criminals armed with a knife and firearm, last Wednesday.
The educator, who was assaulted with the gun on her head, is currently in an intensive care unit being treated for complications. Logan Packiree from Metro Armed Response confirmed that two young males entered the school premises and were initially thought to be possible scholars, coming to fetch reports.
“According to the principal of the school, Mr Yende, both suspects had orange and yellow reflector jackets. They were seen earlier walking near the school ground, then shortly thereafter, they appeared in the staffroom, where they robbed and assaulted a teacher and learners. Both suspects fled in the direction of the railway lines near the school,” said Packiree.
Communications officer of the Chatsworth SAPS, Captain Cheryl Pillay, said police are investigating a robbery.
“It is alleged that a educator and learner were robbed inside the school premises at about 7.45am on 15 December at Shallcross Secondary School. It is alleged that the educator was also assaulted with the gun by one of the suspects,” she said.
Spokesperson for Amawele Emergency Services, Claude Soobramodey, said paramedics were called out to treat the educators and learners. “The educator was severely injured and treated at the scene before she was stabilised and transported to hospital for the further care she required. The learners did not require further medical attention,” said Soobramodey.
Chairperson of Lion of Judah Activists, Judah Ben Hur, said the community must remain aware and on high alert as the perpetrators could be linked to several other crimes in the area.
“It is shocking to know that criminals entered the school and went into the staff-room where they found a female teacher who they beat with the back of a firearm.
“She was also kicked, even though there was no resistance from the female teacher. They took her belongings including her cellphone, laptop and bag. The educator sustained serious head injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance. Criminals are still at large and the hunt goes on for their arrest. We thank the Shallcross CPF and security companies for their quick response,” he added. Meanwhile, Prosecure Security responded to an attempted vehicle theft from Parkview Primary School, where five suspects in a Blue VW Polo attempted to steal one of the teachers Toyota Hilux from the parking lot of the school.The suspects where disturbed by some school educators who were leaving the school and fled.
