In a statement from the Gauteng Department of Education, spokesperson Steven Mabona revealed that a preliminary report indicated two boys were taken due to a custody conflict between two families.
The boys are siblings, with one in Grade RR and the other in Grade 2.
“Their mother passed away in April this year, sparking a dispute between the paternal and maternal families,” Mabona explained.
Mabona detailed that on Monday, the children’s father, Pastor Paseka Motsoeneng, met with the school principal in the morning. Later that day, the children’s maternal grandmother, who is their guardian, also met with the principal to discuss a conflict that had arisen during a weekend meeting at the paternal grandfather’s house, who is a well-known pastor.
“The incident occurred on Monday afternoon after school when the father arrived to pick up the children, accompanied by two men: the pastor, armed with two pangas, and another man carrying an assault rifle.
“Teachers, acting on the grandmother’s alleged instructions, attempted to prevent the father from taking the children. In response, the pastor brandished a panga menacingly at the teachers, allowing the father to leave with the children,” Mabona said.
Mabona confirmed that the principal and the School Governing Body (SGB) reported the incident to the police.
“The Child Protection Unit will mediate the situation, and psycho-social support will be provided to the affected teachers and students to help them cope with the trauma,” he stated.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane emphasized the importance of the safety and well-being of learners and educators.
“Acts of violence and intimidation undermine our education system’s foundation and can traumatize the entire school community, especially as this incident occurred in front of young children and their teachers at a primary school.
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“The Department is committed to ensuring justice is served in this matter. We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators,” Chiloane declared.
By Darryl Linington
