The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, has strongly condemned the shocking incident in which teachers were robbed at gunpoint at Zamokuhle Primary School in KwaMashu. On Friday 13 March 2026, a group of armed suspects stormed the school premises and detained security personnel and continued to accost educators and robbed them of their personal belongings, they also forced teachers to transfer their hard earned money under duress.
“This is a barbaric and cowardly act that targets those who have dedicated their lives to shaping the future of our country. Our educators must be protected at all times and should never have to work under the threat of violence,” said MEC Hlomuka.
The incident has left educators and learners deeply traumatised, and the Department is working closely with the South African Police Service to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. Police have opened a case of armed robbery following the attack. We urge anyone with useful information to urgently contact the police.
Under directions from the MEC, psychosocial support is provided to affected educators and learners, while additional safety and security measures are being urgently strengthened at the school and surrounding institutions.
“This is a direct assault on the future of our country and our province; We cannot allow criminals to turn our schools into crime scenes. Schools must remain safe havens for teaching and learning. We call on communities to work with law enforcement and the Department to protect our schools,” added the MEC.
The Department is deeply concerned about the increasing incidents of violence in and around schools and reiterates the call for members of the public to play an active part in protecting our schools and the safety of both educators and learners.
We reiterate the call to members of the public with any information that may assist in the investigation to contact the South African Police Service.
email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
