King resolves issue of an extortion in a primary school

King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo from the Abathembu Kingdom confirmed that learners from Laphumi-khwezi Primary School in Mthatha will return to school today, August 21, after it was closed for a week due to people allegedly demanding money for extortion.

He attended a meeting at Nelson Mandela Park in Mthatha where he addressed this issue and provided a way forward yesterday, August 21.

Dalindyebo stated that if anybody is so arrogant as to prevent learners from getting an education, then that person is nobody at all.

He added that they cannot respect anyone whose position stems from such arrogance.

“I confirm that I will be here tomorrow, August 21, along with the police officers to ensure that learners are back and safe. School must continue here. If anyone wants to abuse teachers or learners, he/she must start with us,” said Dalindyebo.

Deputy District Commissioner, Brigadier Mzuvukile Ntandane said that people should report these matters, and if they do not get help from station commanders, they must go to the PRD building where they will have a meeting with police management.

The security was tight in the meeting that was held at Laphumikwezi Primary School where King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo solved the issue of this primary school that was closed for a week.

Photo: Babalwa Ndlanya

“I assure the community that if they approach us, we will not let them go without getting help. We cannot deny that there are police officers who are working with criminals, but when they are identified, the law deals with them, and we remove them from the police service. There are people that we have arrested regarding the issue of extortion, and they were denied bail. There are cases that have been reported to us, and we are busy investigating them. I cannot know the numbers because they are reported in the police stations.”

Spokesperson for the Department of Education, Mali Mtima, confirmed that four schools were affected by this extortion in Mthatha West.

He said that these schools are Mandela Park Primary School, Laphumikwezi Primary School, Efata School for the Blind, and Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School.

“We are aware of this problem. No school made a payment because it was intercepted while it was beginning. The matter has been reported to the police and also to the national authorities so that they can deal with it. We support the meeting that was led by King Dalindyebo,” said Mtima.

Mtima said that he cannot comment further because he is still waiting for feedback from the district office.