Suspects who robbed North West teachers and school pupils in Klerksdorp of their valuables at gunpoint, are still at large. 

They allegedly robbed teachers and learners of 60 departmental tablets and eight cell phones, estimated at R200 000. The five suspects robbed them at gunpoint at the Arefadimeheng Secondary School during a study camp on Sunday.

No one was hurt and the suspects fled the scene on foot.

Police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said the police are investigating a case of business robbery.  

The incident has been condemned by the MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, who said she was aggrieved by this. She has labelled this as a barbaric act, deliberately setting pupils back. 

”Six learners experienced a severe shock. As the North West Department of Education, we are progressively improving the quality of education of learners by exposing our learners through engagements that bridge the technological divide by affording them gadgets for educational purposes. It seems we live in a society that is contrary to the progress of the African child. This is unbecoming behaviour and needs to stop. Now we are left with learners with no gadgets who are emotionally damaged.“ 

She has called on the police to move swiftly in their search and arrest of the criminals and bring them to book.

The Arefadimeheng Secondary School. Photo: Google

According to the school report, five armed men gained entry to the school premises at around 04:00, where 58 learners and a teacher had gathered for an organised weekend camp for Grade 12 Physical Science learners who were voluntarily joined by five accounting learners.

No sign of forced entry was reported. The department is set to offer psychological support to all learners.

OFM News