Katlehong, Gauteng — The Gauteng Department of Education has strongly condemned a violent incident at Matshidiso Primary School involving a well-known South African pastor and his security personnel. The altercation, which was captured on a widely circulated video, showed the pastor wielding weapons and threatening school staff, while his associates mishandled students.

According to South African Government News Agency, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation MEC, Matome Chiloane, the video depicts men with replica firearms and a panga intimidating teachers and learners. "This violent and appalling behavior has no place in our schools or our society," stated Chiloane. The incident, which involved threats and the physical handling of two young students, has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about safety and security within educational environments.

The police reported that the confrontation stemmed from a custody dispute following the recent death of the mother of two boys, who attend the school in Grade RR and Grade 2. The conflict between the paternal and maternal families escalated, leading to the pastor and his entourage storming the school to retrieve the children. The department detailed that despite a prior meeting between the children's father and the school principal, the staff refused to release the students without the maternal grandmother's consent, prompting the pastor's aggressive intervention.

The department has pledged to take decisive action to ensure such incidents are not repeated and to uphold the safety of all students and educators. "The safety and well-being of our learners and educators are of utmost priority. We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators," Chiloane affirmed. Furthermore, psycho-social support is being arranged for those affected to help them cope with the aftermath of the incident.