A Grade two teacher was at work at a primary school in Bonteheuwel on Thursday morning when an unknown masked man allegedly jumped over a high, spiked, and wired fence and entered her classroom.
The perpetrator stabbed the teacher in the shoulder and ran off with her cellphone, said Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Also read: Facebook Marketplace seller fatally stabbed after delivering TV
“We are shocked by this incident and thankful that the teacher was not more seriously injured. It is unacceptable that criminals should target our teachers, who play such a vital role in our society,” says MEC David Maynier of WCED.
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said the stabbing took place just before 9 am on Thursday
“According to reports, a 53-year-old female teacher at the school was busy in class when an unknown, masked, male person entered her classroom and stabbed her once in the left shoulder. When she fell to the ground, the [man] asked her for her cellular telephone, took it from her table, and fled the scene,” says van Wyk.
He added that the teacher was taken to a nearby medical facility. The WCED has arranged for counselling support at the school.
“SAPS was immediately called. The teacher is currently being medically treated. Thankfully, the wounds are not serious. However, such an incident is extremely traumatic for the teacher, the learners, and the entire school community,” adds Hammond.
Bonteheuwel councilor Angus Mckenzie arrived at the scene at Arcadia Primary School shortly after the incident. He relayed that “all law enforcement agencies at this point in time are looking for the individual.”
Maynier also urged anyone with vital information that could lead to the perpetrator’s arrest to contact the police immediately.
Crime Stop can be reached on 08600 10111 and Bishop Lavis police station can be reached on 021 935 9800.
Also read:
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery