From class to court

Sea Point High School was hit by armed robbers last week.

Sea Point police have confirmed that a 15-year-old pupil appeared in court on Monday June 10 following an armed robbery at Sea Point High School.

The boy was arrested on Saturday June 8 after he was identified on CCTV footage.

A few of the 50 cellphones stolen were found during a search at his house in Philippi.

The boy is a pupil at the school and his accomplice is a 17-year-old who is yet to be arrested.

This incident took place at the school on Wednesday June 5, during a mid-year exams for Grade 12 pupils.

The suspects entered the premises of Sea Point High School armed and assaulted a teacher with a gun. The teacher sustained an injury to her face.

The suspects fled the school with 50 cellphones.

In a statement to the police, the teacher explained that during an exam all the pupils’ cellphones are placed in a bag. She said the suspects entered the classroom and closed the door. One of them approached her carrying a firearm and held his arms around her neck, pointing the firearm at her while the other suspect, wearing a balaclava, took the bag that had about 50 cellphones.

Responding to the matter, Education MEC, Debbie Schafer, said school safety remained one of their greatest challenges and as the education department, they did all they could to protect schools.

“I am genuinely concerned that criminals have become so brazen that they enter school premises on a busy road, in broad daylight, and that not even a strong security presence, CCTV footage or fencing serve as a deterrent. Our schools are meant to be places of safety where learners and educators feel secure and where they can realise their potential and develop the skills and values they need to lead successful lives.

“I therefore condemn this act in the strongest terms,” she said.

Ms Schafer said the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED’s) Specialised Support directorate was informed and the school had a school counsellor and a psychologist on site for pupils who required support and counselling.

“I am again appealing to the communities around our schools to report any suspicious activity to the SAPS or our Safe Schools immediately. This action could save a life. I also urge anyone with information on Wednesday’s robbery to please contact the SAPS, so we can arrest the perpetrators,” said Ms Schafer.

Call the Safe Schools Call Centre on 0800 45 46 47.

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