Gauteng MEC Condemns Violent Incident at Matshidiso Primary School

The video captures a well-known South African pastor threatening teachers with pangas and intimidating students on school grounds.

Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC, Matome Chiloane, has strongly condemned a disturbing video that surfaced on social media showing a violent incident at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong. The video captures a well-known South African pastor threatening teachers with pangas and intimidating students on school grounds.

The video depicts a chaotic scene where individuals armed with replica firearms and a panga are seen harassing and threatening both learners and teachers. Another person is shown grabbing two students caught in the turmoil, while a separate individual brandishes an assault rifle.

"This reprehensible behavior is unacceptable in any setting, particularly within our schools. The safety and well-being of our students and educators are our top priorities," stated the provincial Department of Education. "Such acts of violence and intimidation undermine the foundation of our education system and have the potential to traumatize the entire school community."

The incident reportedly stemmed from a custody dispute between two families over two minor children enrolled at the school. The children's mother had passed away in April, leading to a conflict between the paternal and maternal sides of the family.

According to preliminary reports, the conflict escalated when the paternal grandfather, a prominent South African pastor, arrived at the school with security personnel and weapons. This occurred after the maternal grandmother, the children's guardian, had informed the school principal of the dispute earlier in the day. When teachers refused to release the children without the grandmother’s permission, the pastor intervened, brandishing a panga and threatening staff to allow the father to leave with the children.

The local police have since arrested the pastor and several others involved. The Department of Education has pledged to provide psycho-social support for the affected teachers and learners to help them cope with the trauma from this incident.

“The department is committed to ensuring justice and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators from such acts of violence,” said Chiloane.