A teacher kidnapped outside Happydale Special School in Gqeberha has been safely reunited with her family. Authorities are investigating the incident.
KeyPoints:
- Teacher abducted outside Gqeberha school, later released.
- Video of abduction goes viral on social media.
- SADTU condemns the violent act, calls for safe schools.
A teacher who was kidnapped outside Happydale Special School in Algoa Park, Gqeberha, on Monday morning has been safely released. The 45-year-old woman was freed on Wednesday night, according to Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Avele Fumba.
Kidnapping Incident Details
However, Fumba was unable to confirm whether a ransom was paid to secure her release.
“Due to the sufficient pressure exerted by the multidisciplinary team, including the task team of the Hawks, we can confirm that the victim was safely reunited with her family on Wednesday night,” Fumba said. “The matter remains under investigation, and we urge anyone with information that could help accelerate our investigation to come forward.”
Authorities reported that three armed men in a white Toyota Corolla kidnapped the teacher around 8 a.m. This was shortly after she arrived at the school in her grey Toyota Fortuner. A video circulating on social media shows the teacher entering the school parking lot before being ambushed as she exited her vehicle.
Teacher’s Abduction Sparks Outrage
In the video, two men forcefully drag the teacher into the car while she screams for help. The kidnappers fired warning shots into the air to scare off any potential witnesses.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education condemned the incident, with Education MEC Fundile Fade. They called the kidnapping a severe violation of educators’ rights. “The abduction of our educators is one of the worst crimes to affect the sector. Actions like these undermine the fundamental right to life in a free and democratic country,” Gade said.
Authorities Respond to Abduction
The case has been classified as a high priority, and authorities have deployed a specialized team to provide psychosocial support and counseling for the affected staff and learners.
Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) expressed deep concern and outrage over the abduction. In a statement, the union condemned the violent act, particularly because it occurred within the grounds of a special school, which is meant to provide a safe environment for vulnerable learners.
“This incident not only jeopardizes the safety of learners, teachers, and support personnel but also undermines the provision of education,” the union said. “Schools must remain sanctuaries of education and development, free from crime and violence.”
