Weapons, drugs confiscated from learners at 'notorious' Gauteng school
Updated Aug. 4, 2026, 5:10 p.m. | By Cliff Shiko Police confiscated weapons and drugs at a school in Khutsong on the West Rand following an unannounced…
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Updated Aug. 4, 2026, 5:10 p.m. | By Cliff Shiko
Police confiscated weapons and drugs at a school in Khutsong on the West Rand following an unannounced visit by Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile on Tuesday.
Badirile Secondary School, near Carletonville, is believed to be one of the province's most troubled schools.
The search-and-seizure operation, conducted by MEC Maile, Police, Crime Prevention Wardens, the Community Policing Forum, and private security, led to the discovery of prohibited items, including knives and drugs, in the possession of both male and female pupils.
Earlier this year, a 16-year-old Grade 9 pupil was stabbed to death by a fellow pupil in an incident linked to gangsterism.
The MEC vowed to appoint an acting principal to restore order at the school after it was left without a headmaster for several months.
A visibly disturbed Maile said five teachers would also face disciplinary action over allegations of misconduct, including leaving the school during working hours to consume alcohol, absenteeism, and failing to report for duty on time.
He said gangsterism and lawlessness at the school had reached a breaking point, with pupils allegedly threatening teachers by saying they would call illegal miners, commonly known as "zama zamas", to target them.
"This particular school has been identified as one of the province's most problematic schools, with reports of learners threatening educators by claiming they will enlist criminals and illegal miners ('zama zamas') to harm teachers," said Maile.
"The seriousness of the situation is reflected in the fact that a murder took place at the school earlier this year," he told reporters.
Speaking to Jacaranda Newswatch, a member of the Representative Council of Learners, who wished not to be named, said the school does not have a code of conduct.
He called on the department to address the issue of dysfunctional toilets and lack of water.
"The toilets are not being cleaned, and many of them are broken. We have been promised many times that the toilets would be repaired, but nothing has been done," he said.
"We also do not have a reliable water supply at the school. This happens almost every day, making it difficult for learners and staff to use the facilities."
"Our classrooms are overcrowded. Some classes have about 75 learners, making it very difficult to learn effectively," he added.
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