Protest erupts at Soshanguve school over learner assaults
Learners at Soshanguve South Secondary School broke the gate and joined EFF and United Africans Transformation party protesters, demanding the principal's resignation after a viral video showed outsiders assaulting learners with broomsticks.
Image: Rapula Moatshe/Independent Newspapers
Chaos erupted at Soshanguve South Secondary School on Wednesday morning when learners broke the gate and left the premises to join a group of protesters from the EFF and United Africans Transformation (UAT).
The protesters demanded the principal's resignation after a viral video showing learners being physically assaulted with broomsticks by outsiders on school grounds on Monday, allegedly for arriving late.
It is alleged that the school principal allowed outsiders, linked to a local community policing forum, to discipline learners who are sometimes involved in violent fights.
A parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said her child was still traumatised after being beaten at school on Monday for arriving late.
The parent said: "He told us he was traumatised after being beaten with broomsticks, like a thief, especially by someone who was not his father. He is injured on his back, and we had to massage him last night to ease the pain. I am not feeling well about what happened."
Some learners claimed they had been previously assaulted in classrooms by the same community members, who also forced them to do push-ups.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Lindiwe Masilela from the EFF in Tshwane said her party's student command was called by learners to intervene in the situation that unfolded at the school on Monday.
She condemned corporal punishment, saying it had been abolished long ago and what happened at the school was unwarranted.
She demanded the arrest of the school principal, deputy principal, and the chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB) for the assault incident.
Additionally, she called on Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, to intervene, criticising him for merely attending ceremonial events instead of addressing pressing issues.
Masilela dismissed the claim that her party had instructed learners to disperse from the school.
"You saw that it was the leaders who broke the gate lock to escape because they were scared to be at the school," she said.
Bongani Ramontja, leader of the civic group Soil of Africa, blamed the principal for involving community members in punishing learners.
"We want decisive action against the principal. He should be suspended pending investigation, along with teachers who witnessed the incident and failed to intervene," he said.
Lesley Sebotsane from UAT said: 'We need to get to the root of the problem so we can ensure our children are in a safe environment when they are at school. Reports of physical abuse signal that something is seriously wrong."
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is aware and deeply concerned by an incident that took place on Monday.
'According to our reports, community members allegedly overpowered scholar patrollers and forced their way into the school premises where they reportedly began beating girl and boy learners. It is also alleged that they nearly assaulted department officials and the principal who tried to intervene, and they proceeded to verbally abuse them,' he said.
He said an assault case had been reported to the police and that psychosocial support was being provided to affected learners and staff.
He appealed to the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
'While we acknowledge the frustrations that may arise from issues such as late-coming, under no circumstances can physical violence or intimidation be justified, especially when directed at children and education officials,' he said.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
Batohi could appear in parliament to explain allegations of corruption inside the NPA
Batohi's statements have ignited some curiosity on the challenges of the NPA. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) wants the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi to appear before parliament next week to give more details about allegations of rogue elements inside the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). During an interview this week with a local broadcaster, Batohi said she was concerned that the NPA had been infiltrated by individuals who do not have the best interests of the rule of law at heart. She also said there were systematic challenges, but also internal and external agendas that affect the function of the NPA. The state lawyers have been under attack from both the public and political parties for mishandling major cases, especially those involving high-profile figures and politicians. In a letter to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, the EFF stated that the NDPP must furnish Parliament with information on rogue activities at the NPA, if indeed they exist. 'We therefore respectfully request that the Portfolio Committee convene an urgent meeting on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, for the express purpose of engaging Advocate Shamila Batohi on her public statements and allowing Members of Parliament to exercise their oversight responsibilities. In the spirit of transparency and full accountability. 'Advocate Batohi must explain what she meant by infiltration, what forms of manipulation she is facing, what forces—internal or external—are hindering her work, and what corrective or protective steps have been taken,' the party said. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development should take responsibility for the NPA The party said it also wanted the Minister of Justice to be present at this meeting. 'The attendance of the Minister is essential, not only because section 179(6) of the Constitution requires that the Cabinet member responsible for the administration of justice exercise final responsibility over the NPA, but also because the potential political implications of the NDPP's statement need to be evaluated in the context of executive accountability. 'The Minister must brief the Committee on what measures are in place to safeguard the NPA from infiltration, how vetting is conducted for senior appointments, and whether any recent developments have prompted internal investigations or interdepartmental correspondence regarding institutional integrity.' The EFF said a weakened NPA isa poor reflection on the state. 'The NPA stands at the frontline of holding the corrupt accountable and ensuring justice for victims of serious crimes, including femicide, sexual violence, and complex financial crimes. 'If the prosecutorial arm is compromised, the entire justice system is compromised.' ALSO READ: A national embarrassment? 'Scorpions 2.0' bill pitched to save failing NPA Why is it so difficult to do this job? Meanwhile, Batohi had said she would meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa to express her concerns about the challenges the NPA faces. 'This is something that I am going to take up with the executive we need to understand exactly what is going on and why it is sometimes so difficult to do this job. 'Because you have all the challenges of the system, but you also have agendas externally and internally, this is a serious concern for me,' she said. NOW READ: NPA 'infiltrated by those against the rule of law' – Batohi says
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Shamila Batohi faces pressure to clarify NPA interference claims
National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi is under fire following a string of recent high-profile failures by the National Prosecuting Authority. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers Outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi is facing mounting pressure to provide details of her claims that there is political interference in the work of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). In an interview this week, Batohi had said: 'The NPA has been infiltrated by people who do not have the rule of law at heart. 'We are having internal challenges; some prosecutors may not be aligned with the vision of really fighting for the rule of law in this country.' Calls for Batohi to be summoned to Parliament to provide explanations follow a difficult period for the NPA during which the authority has bungled a number of high-profile cases. The latest was the Free State High Court declaring the extradition of former Free State premier and ex-ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule's personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, from the US unlawful as it did not have a valid and lawful request by the Justice Ministry. As a result of Judge Phillip Loubser's ruling, Cholota cannot face trial in the controversial R255 million tender to audit and replace asbestos roofs in the province alongside her former boss and several other individuals and companies. The NPA plans to appeal against the judgment. Another recent prominent case that intensified pressure on Batohi, who is reportedly due to retire when she turns 65 in January, was the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso of multiple charges of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering in April. On Friday, the EFF wrote to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Xola Nqola, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, demanding an urgent parliamentary debate on Batohi's allegations of infiltration in the NPA. Additionally, the EFF wants the portfolio committee to schedule an urgent meeting and was not calling for punitive or reactionary action. 'This is not a casual institutional complaint. It is a constitutional red flag of the highest order. An assertion from the NDPP herself that the NPA has been infiltrated should send shockwaves throughout every organ of state,' the party said. The EFF warned that the assertions have direct consequences for the rule of law, the integrity of South Africa's criminal justice system, the fight against corruption and gender-based violence, and public trust in the country's democracy. The urgent meeting should be held on Tuesday, June 10, and also requested Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to be invited to attend, provide policy-level responses and inform the committee of the department's position and possible interventions on the matter, according to the EFF. It requested Didiza to exercise her authority under the National Assembly's rules to approve an urgent debate on 'the implications of the NDPP's public statement regarding infiltration of the NPA and the threat it poses to South Africa's justice system, rule of law, and constitutional democracy'. ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said the party was alarmed and called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Batohi immediately. He said the NPA has failed to prosecute Ramaphosa for not declaring foreign currency stolen at his Phala Phala farm in 2020, which was later stolen, fugitive self-proclaimed Malawian prophet Shepherd Bushiri, and secure the extradition of the fugitive Gupta brothers, among others. 'The NPA has become a refuge for politically connected individuals, a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity. Under Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next,' added Trollip. ActionSA will write to Kubayi demanding urgent intervention and the commencement of a process to remove Batohi in terms of the NPA Act. [email protected]
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal police honour excellence in service at the Provincial Excellence Awards
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Excellence Awards at the Durban ICC. Image: Supplied Durban played host to the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Excellence Awards on Friday night at the ICC, where exemplary police officers were recognised for their bravery and commitment in the line of duty. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said police in KZN have been working hard to confront hardened criminals. 'If sentiments from residents are anything to go by, police in KwaZulu-Natal are on the right track to deliver the service that they need.' He said during the 2024/2025 financial year, various operations across the province led to the arrest of 144,019 suspects for various crime categories. 'The excellence that we are celebrating tonight is for those members who collectively and individually ensured that 5,016 firearms and over 51,000 rounds of ammunition were removed from the streets.' He said officers also successfully shut down 20,362 illegal shebeens in the province, which prevented murders, rapes, and assaults from happening. 'It has been proven that alcohol is the biggest contributing factor to crime in our province.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ According to Mkhwanazi, what was also being celebrated was officers' exceptional use of their resources and training to safeguard themselves, colleagues, and the public while pursuing dangerous armed criminals. He highlighted that excellent police and community partnership will indeed isolate criminals and create safer communities. 'Excellent detective work by our officers deserves to be celebrated. It takes a focused and dedicated investigating officer to put pieces together until a trail of clues emerges,' he said. Mkhwanazi stated that it was brilliant investigative work by detectives who traced the suspects who shot a South African Revenue Service advocate last year at a hotel in Umhlanga. 'During the year under review, our detectives secured a total of 125 life imprisonment sentences and a total of 1,114 years in jail for 1,239 accused who were found guilty on cases of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and rape,' he said. He noted that KwaZulu-Natal achieved 95% in the summative physical assessment, which is the highest in the country, as well as a firearm competency status of 98%. However, Mkhwanazi said between April 2024 and March 2025, KZN lost six police officers in the line of duty. He said four officers were shot and killed by criminals when they either responded to a robbery in progress or attended to an active crime scene. 'Police in KwaZulu-Natal are policing over 12.4 million counted citizens with just over 19,600 police officers. The killing of one police officer leaves so many community members vulnerable.' General Mkhwanazi congratulated the winners and emphasised that all the nominees deserve to be recognised. 'You are all winners, but only one will ascend this stage and represent you all,' he stated. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the biggest winner at the awards was Sergeant Nhlanhla Patrick Mhlongo from Greenwood Park police station in the eThekwini District. Sergeant Nhlanhla Patrick Mhlongo from Greenwood Park police station in the eThekwini District. Image: Supplied Netshiunda said that although he did not formally apply for the Excellence Award, Mhlongo's exceptional investigative work led to his selection. His success in securing convictions, including over 184 years of imprisonment for crimes like murder and armed robbery within a single year, was acknowledged by all 11 district commissioners, three deputy provincial commissioners, and the provincial commissioner. Sergeant Mhlongo solved the kidnapping and murder of a 21-year-old woman last seen in Umhlanga on Christmas Day 2024. He identified her manager as the suspect, who killed her at his home in Inanda and buried her in a shallow grave, according to Netshiunda. Netshiunda said Mhlongo was rewarded with a brand-new vehicle after he was summoned to the commissioner's office for an unknown misconduct; he was surprised and relieved to receive the vehicle instead, leading to tears of joy. Sergeant Msizi Leonard Mkhize, centre, from Mountain Rise police station in Pietermaritzburg. Image: Supplied Another special award went to investigating officer Sergeant Msizi Leonard Mkhize from Mountain Rise police station in Pietermaritzburg, who has cracked complex cases over the past financial year, said Netshiunda. His prize was a boat cruise with his partner. Premier Thami Ntuli said the event is more than just an awards ceremony, but also a moment of national importance. 'It is a pause in our daily fight against crime, to reflect, to recognise, and to reward excellence; it is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the outstanding men and women in blue who, against all odds, have chosen service over self, duty over comforts, and country over personal gain,' he said. Premier Thami Ntuli congratulated the award recipients, further stating that their achievements are not only a source of pride for their families and colleagues but a beacon of hope for KZN. 'You are an inspiration to your peers and a reminder to all South Africans that excellence in public service is still possible and indeed alive in our police ranks,' Ntuli said. Full List of Winners Admin Employee of the Year: Driver Nkosenye Mshibe from Dundee SAPS. Administrative Clerk Keegan Pillay from Proactive Policing. Colonel Robert Netshiunda from Provincial Corporate Communications and Media Relations. Lieutenant Colonel Cherene Seppings from the Provincial HRDC in Durban. Vispol and Operations Employee of the Year: Sergeant Minenhle Sithole from Mtunzini SAPS. Colonel Ntombizanele Mzotho from Margate SAPS. Warrant Officer Mohamed Raoof from the Provincial Drugs and Firearms Task Team. Detective and Forensic Employee of the Year: Constable Thandeka Buthelezi from Maphumulo Detectives. Colonel Jason McGray from eThekwini Detective Services. Brigadier William Kunene from Detectives: Serious and Violent Crimes. Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year: Sergeant Thulisile Mdluli from Newcastle FCS. Captain Koghan Naidoo from Greytown FCS. Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Team of the Year: Lieutenant Colonel Anjalaydevi Pillay from Port Shepstone FCS Team. Senior Administrative Manager of the Year: Brigadier Y Moodley, Provincial Head: Finance. Senior Operational Manager of the Year - Crime Detection: Brigadier Sipho Kunene, Provincial Head: Murder and Robbery from the Serious and Violent Crime Unit. Station of the Year: Colonel MI Mngadi from uMkomaas SAPS in eThekwini. Woman of the Year: Captain Sphiwo Kunene from Ilembe District - Nyoni Support. Man of the Year: Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana from uMzinyathi District - OCC. Sports Woman of the Year: Constable Thobeka Phungula from Dundee SAPS. Sports Man of the Year: Constable Simphiwe Ngubane from Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Tactical Combat Team. Sports Person of the Year Living with Disabilities: Reservist Sithokozile Zulu from Kwambonambi SAPS. Reservist of the Year: Reservist Constable S Kara from Durban North SAPS. Person Living with Disability: Administrative Clerk Nokonwaba Mtsolo, Secretary of the Ilembe District Commissioner. CPF of the Year: T. Govender from Mountain Rise.
