Schooling back to normal after disruptions

Armed drug dealers instil fear to pupils and teachers

Learning resumed yesterday at Wiseman Cele Secondary School in Tshepisong in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, amid reports of drug-related incidents that caused disruptions at the school.

There was no schooling for two days following an incident of drug dealers who allegedly went to the school armed with guns on Friday.

This is after one of the learners was allegedly caught by school patrollers with drugs and money last week. The pupil revealed who had given him drugs, leading to the arrest of two alleged drug dealers.

Sowetan reported on Tuesday that the principal, who asked not to be named, had resigned after she was allegedly threatened with a gun on Friday by gangsters who allegedly peddled drugs using pupils at the school.

The school governing body chairman, David Khaba, confirmed the principal’s resignation, saying she feared for her life after the alleged threats on her life.

The principal had joined the school only three weeks ago.

However, the Gauteng department of education said the principal did not proceed to submit her resignation.

On Monday, the school was forced to shut down and pupils were sent home after teachers failed to pitch for classes, also claiming that they feared for the lives.

A group of concerned parents arrived at the school to protect their children.

Departmental spokesman Steve Mabona said it’s all systems go at the school after teachers and the principal returned to school on Tuesday.

“Everything is back in place and we have placed law enforcement agencies to beef up security at the school.

“We will continue to monitor the situation at the school,” Mabona said.