NABEELAH MOHEDEEN
The Summit Primary School teacher who was attacked and robbed shortly after she entered her classroom last Wednesday, April 13, has dropped the charges she laid with police.
Ruwayda Isaacs, 44, had only been teaching at the Hanover Park school for two weeks before the incident.
According to police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk, two unknown men entered her classroom at about 7am.
“They demanded her handbag, stabbed her and fled the scene with her wallet,” said Captain Van Wyk.
Ms Isaacs was stabbed on the right hand side of her chest.
Another teacher helped Ms Isaacs down the stairs to the administration building where the school called the emergency services. Ms Isaacs had needed stitches.
Philippi police station comander, Colonel Dennis Abels, confirmed that Ms Isaacs had dropped the charges but said the case is still being investigated.
Jessica Shelver, spokesperson for the Western Cape MEC for Education, Debbie Schafer, said the incident was reported to the City of Cape Town’s Safe School division the department will also arrange for counselling.
“Our district office is working with the school to investigate the incident. We condemn this incident in the strongest possible terms,” she said.
Jonovan Rustin, provincial secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union, said there should be monitoring of who enters the school premises. “We are deeply aggrieved by the stabbing and injury at a school in Hanover Park. We wish the teacher all the best for her recovery. We are calling on the education department to ensure that teachers are safe at schools. Measures should be put in place to monitor who enters the school’s premises. We are also calling on the police to do visible patrolling in the area around the schools and to apprehend any suspects who shouldn’t be around the school,” said Mr Rustin.
He said the union appeals to the community to make the school a safe haven for pupils. “It is an institution of learning and must be respected”, said Mr Rustin.
“If the teacher needs any help, she must contact the union,” he added.
The Athlone News contacted Summit Primary School butthey were not willing to comment.
Anyone with any information about this incident can call Philippi SAPS or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.