A teacher who was abducted outside her school at Happydale Special School in Algoa Park, Gqeberha, on Monday morning, has been released.
Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Avele Fumba said the 45-year-old woman was released on Wednesday night.
However, Fumba could not confirm whether a ransom had been paid to secure her freedom.
“Due to 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].
“The matter remains under investigation, and we urge anyone with information that could help to accelerate our investigation to come forward.”
According to authorities, three armed men driving a white Toyota Corolla kidnapped the teacher at approximately 8am. The attack took place shortly after she arrived at the school in her grey Toyota Fortuner.
In a video gone viral on social media, the teacher is seen driving into the school parking lot and then being ambushed as she exits her vehicle.
The teacher is forcefully taken by two men and carried into the car while screaming. Her kidnappers then fired warning shots in the air to scare away onlookers.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has strongly condemned the incident. Education MEC Fundile Gade described the kidnapping as a severe violation of educators’ rights, saying: “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.”
Authorities have confirmed that the case is being treated as a high priority. A specialised team has been deployed to the school to provide psychosocial support and counselling for affected staff and learners.
Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) said it was deeply disturbed and outraged by the shocking abduction.
In a statement, the teacher’s union said it strongly condemns this violent incident.
“Particularly as it occurred within the premises of a special school, a space meant to provide safety and learning for vulnerable learners.
“This incident not only threatened the safety of learners, teachers, and support personnel but also undermined the provision of education.”
the union added that schools must remain sanctuaries of education and development, free from crime and violence.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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