/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) MEC Matome Chiloane to urgently enhance the security measures in Gauteng schools to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and staff.

This comes after frightening social media footage surfaced showing Paseka Motsoeneng, popularly known as “Pastor Mboro,” carrying pangas and threatening teachers at Matshediso Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni. Disturbingly, another man is seen seizing two students caught in the crossfire of this violent encounter, while another wields an assault rifle.

The DA condemns the appalling occurrence and demands that Pastor Mboro and his associates be held accountable for their actions. While we note MEC Chiloane's media statement, we challenge him to act decisively against these school invaders rather than utilising the incident as a public relations exercise.

The safety of learners and teachers must be prioritised, and no one, including Pastor Mboro, is permitted to enter a school and threaten either of them. This is one of many incidents in our schools in which dangerous weapons are used to intimidate teachers and learners. Such behaviour is reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

The DA continues to urge the Departments of Education and Community Safety to review the school safety strategy to ensure that learners are safe and taught in an environment free of violence.

Issued by Michael Waters MPL - DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Education