SADTU condemns brazen kidnapping of Gqeberha teacher as search continues

The search continues for the teacher who was kidnapped at Happydale Special School in Algoa Park, Gqeberha on Monday.

Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson Ian Cameron said the woman is believed to be the wife of a well-known businessman. 

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) meanwhile said it was deeply disturbed and outraged by the shocking abduction.

Video footage of the kidnapping has gone viral on social media. 

It shows the teacher driving into the school parking lot and then being ambushed as she exits her vehicle. 

The teacher is abducted, and her kidnappers fired warning shots in the air. 

On Wednesday, Eastern Cape police said they were still searching for the teacher. 

In a statement, the teacher's union said it strongly condemned the 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."

Schools must remain sanctuaries of education and development, free from crime and violence, the union said.

"We urge law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in locating the teacher and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Furthermore, we call on the Department of Basic Education to strengthen security measures in schools to prevent such attacks, as schools are increasingly becoming soft targets for criminals."

Cameron described this incident as not just kidnapping but extortion. 

Taking to Facebook, Cameron stated the woman is said to be the wife of a well-known businessman. 

"We will continue to push SAPS leadership and government to treat these acts not as isolated incidents, but as part of an organised threat." 

Police have not released the victim's identity or photograph. 

Cape Times