5 learners, a parent arrested for disrupting learning at Tsakane Secondary School

JOHANNESBURG - Police have arrested five learners and a parent who have been disrupting learning at Tsakane Secondary School in Joburg’s East Rand.

The arrests come after a series of reported incidents about the group, including bullying, intimidating and threatening fellow learners and teachers.

It's alleged they recently attacked a grade 12 camp by pelting stones and damaging newly replaced school doors, while also setting fire to toilets

The provincial Education Department said, on Wednesday, the group threatened teachers and pupils with knives, robbing them of their phones and money during school hours.

The department said one of the arrested learners had recently been suspended for assaulting another learner with a chair, but he continued to forcefully return to the school despite the suspension.

The teachers at the school have since expressed fear for their safety, with some unable to return to class due to intimidation.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said, " Today [Thursday], the perpetrators allegedly disrupted schooling and the grade 12 preliminary examination."

He said the parent of one of the learners, who was also arrested, had allegedly been fueling the disruption and was also part of some of the attacks.

The department has condemned the incidents, citing that it will provide psychosocial support to the school.