A principal from a Philippi school is living in fear and in hiding after shots were fired at her vehicle in what she believes was an attempt to intimidate her.
The principal whose identity has been withheld to protect her says shots were fired at her vehicle while parked on school premises on Friday 5 August.
In an interview with City Vision she said she has been receiving threats from some residents who never accepted her as the school’s new principal after taking over the reigns in April. She claims she has been told numerous times to leave the school or face the consequences. “I took over the role as the school principal in April after I had applied and followed the department’s process. On the second day, I was told to leave the school, where later I was a victim of being locked outside the school premises,” she said. “It’s a few individuals that are instigated by someone to do this. I have been receiving threats from some community members who wanted the role be filled by the deputy principal”.
The principal said following the threats, she opened a case with the police. “As things stand my life is in danger. I live in fear, and I don’t see myself setting my foot at the school because I don’t know what will happen to me,” she said.
The principal told City Vision on the day her vehicle was shot at, they had just enjoyed a Women’s Day celebration. “It came as a shock to me because things had seemed to be back to normal,” she said.
Bronagh Hammond, Director of Communications for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), said the department is aware of the “very concerning incident” that happened on Friday.
“While the principal and other staff were in the school premises, shots were fired from outside the school premises – taking aim at the principal’s vehicle. We cannot elaborate further on the incident – it is in the hands of Saps (South African Police Services) who are investigating,” she said.
Hammond, confirmed that: “The Principal’s appointment was supported by the SGB of the school – who made the nomination.”
She further said parents welcomed the principal into the school and continue to support her.
Hammond confirmed that the principal is currently not at the school for safety reasons – the WCED is supporting the principal with counselling services. “The case is of utmost concern to us. We now have to allow for Saps to complete their investigation,” she said.
Col Elliot Lingani, Samora Police Station commander, confirmed a case of intimidation has been opened. “The principal reported that she was informed her car had been shot at by an unknown person. The investigation is underway and we are at the stage of viewing the footage,” he said.
Lingani said the detectives were at an advanced stage with the investigation and are in communication with the principal and circuit manager.