[Image: Basic Concepts Programme]
It’s been more than two weeks since armed men waltzed into Zanemfundo Primary School in Philippi East, demanding that teachers hand over 10% of their salaries like some kind of gangster tax.
And yet, police have made little progress in the investigation—no arrests, no real updates, just a whole lot of nothing, reports GroundUp.
The incident went down on 28 February when teachers were reportedly given a deadline: cough up by Friday, 14 March. But instead of showing up to work that day, terrified teachers headed straight to the Education Department’s district offices in Mitchells Plain to raise the alarm and classes were cancelled.
The case was reported to SAPS, but so far, it seems to be stuck in investigative limbo. According to one teacher, the suspects aren’t exactly mystery men—both the staff and the community know who they are. And yet, nothing.
For now, police are escorting teachers to the school, and the Western Cape Education Department has brought in private security to keep watch. SAPS is also patrolling the area, though whether that’s making anyone feel safer is another question.
“It is not safe at all. We are in extreme danger,” the teacher told GroundUp. “These gangs come to the school gun-wielding. Our lives are at risk. Teachers at the school are asking for transfers because they don’t feel safe.”
In fact, he said he has flat-out refused to return since 28 February. And honestly? Who can blame him?
This isn’t an isolated incident either—similar cases have reportedly happened at five other schools in Nyanga, Philippi, and Samora Machel. But the fear is so real that even speaking about it feels like a risk.
“We can’t talk about this because it involves people’s lives,” another teacher said. “This is a very serious situation, and we can’t risk speaking to the media.”
When asked about these additional cases, Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond punted the question straight to SAPS.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that multiple schools have reported extortion attempts. But when it comes to the details? “For privacy and security reasons, we are unable to disclose the names of the schools or complainants.”
Which, you know, doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
[Source: GroundUp]
