Barberton circuit manager from the Department of Education, Thoko Khoza.

Barberton’s General Street in front of the Umjindi municipal building was plunged into chaos this morning. This after students from various schools in Emjindini were taken from their classes, apparently by force and without consent, by members of the community. It was uncertain what the reason for the riots were. Some of the onlookers believed it had to do with service delivery and others said it was to demand employment.

Photo: Philip Minnaar

Africa InTouch News spoke briefly to Barberton circuit manager from the Department of Education, Thoko Khoza, who was also on the scene. Khoza said she was in the dark as to the cause of the unrest and was merely contacted by principals who informed her that the students were not safe. She said she was only assessing the situation and couldn’t give a formal statement.
"The safety of the learners are more important than any other thing," she said.

Photo: Philip Minnaar

From what we could establish, learners from six schools were removed from their classes not long after the school day commenced. These schools have between them an estimated 6 000 learners.

The police and the traffic department were still monitoring the situation by the time Africa InTouch News took its leave.

Anchen Coetzee / Ama'Zone Media Solutions t/a Africa InTouch