Gauteng Education MEC Commends Police After Student Arrests at Tsakane Secondary
Table of contents
- Serious Disruptions Rock Tsakane Secondary School
- Arrests Made to Restore Order
- Description of the Disruptive Behaviour
- Importance of Ensuring Consequences for Disruptive Learners
- Why Learners Must Be Safe at School
- Impact on Teachers and Pupils
- Parent Allegedly Encouraged Disruptive Behaviour
- Gauteng Education MEC Praises Police Action
- Government’s Commitment to Safe Schools
- Psychological and Wellness Support Planned
- Call for Parental Responsibility
- A Message to the Wider Community
Serious Disruptions Rock Tsakane Secondary School
Tsakane Secondary School in Gauteng recently faced a wave of violent and disruptive behaviour that deeply affected the school environment. Multiple incidents involving a group of pupils caused fear, damage, and interruptions to teaching and learning. The situation escalated to the point that police intervention became necessary.
Arrests Made to Restore Order
On Thursday, 21 August 2025, five pupils (from Tsakane Secondary School) and a parent were arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their involvement in these disturbing incidents. The arrests followed repeated acts of bullying, intimidation, threats, and property damage within the school.
Description of the Disruptive Behaviour
The arrested learners engaged in a series of harmful actions, including:
- Throwing stones at newly replaced doors during Grade 12 camps
- Setting fires in school toilets
- Threatening staff and fellow pupils with knives
- Blocking school passages and extorting money and cellphones during school hours
One of the arrested pupils had previously been suspended for assaulting another student with a chair but continued to defy disciplinary procedures and returned to the school.
“On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the perpetrators threatened educators and learners with knives; blocked them from moving through passages and extorted them for money and phones during schooling hours,” said Mabona.
Importance of Ensuring Consequences for Disruptive Learners
It is critical that learners who engage in disruptive and violent behaviour face appropriate consequences. Accountability teaches that actions have repercussions and discourages repetition of harmful conduct. When disruptive learners face no consequences, it undermines the authority of schools and discourages respect for rules.
Addressing serious misconduct protects the rights of other pupils to a safe and focused learning environment. Consistent consequences also help rehabilitate offenders by making clear the impact of their behaviour on the school community.
Why Learners Must Be Safe at School
Schools are meant to be safe havens where learners can focus on education without fear of violence or intimidation. Safety at school is fundamental to a learner’s right to education, emotional wellbeing, and personal development. When pupils feel threatened or unsafe, their ability to learn, participate, and succeed diminishes significantly.
Moreover, an unsafe environment can cause long-term psychological harm and hinder social growth. Protecting learners from harm creates a positive atmosphere that supports academic achievement and prepares students to become responsible citizens.
Impact on Teachers and Pupils
Teachers expressed fear for their safety, with some incapable of returning to classrooms due to ongoing intimidation. Pupils also suffered from the hostile environment, which hampered their right to education and safety.
Parent Allegedly Encouraged Disruptive Behaviour
Authorities revealed that the arrested parent was allegedly encouraging and supporting the disruptive actions of these pupils, exacerbating the challenges in maintaining a safe school environment.
Gauteng Education MEC Praises Police Action
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane publicly commended SAPS for their swift and decisive action in arresting those responsible. He stated:
“We remain resolute in our commitment to protect the right to education and to ensure that teaching and learning continue without disruption. We will not allow our schools to become places of violence and intimidation.”
Government’s Commitment to Safe Schools
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) reinforced the position that schools must be safe spaces prioritising education. The department warned that threats, intimidation, and violence against staff or learners would be addressed through legal channels.
Psychological and Wellness Support Planned
Recognising the trauma experienced by the school community, the GDE announced plans to deploy psychosocial support teams to help affected pupils cope. Additionally, employee wellness units would provide support to teachers grappling with the disruption and its aftermath.
Call for Parental Responsibility
MEC Chiloane emphasised the crucial role of parents in instilling accountability and respect in their children. He urged caregivers to support safe schooling environments and warned against condoning threatening or violent behaviour.
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A Message to the Wider Community
The swift response by both police and education authorities serves as a deterrent to others who might consider disrupting schools. The message is clear: Gauteng remains committed to safeguarding every learner’s right to quality education and every teacher’s right to a safe workplace.
