Palie in hiding after threats

The principal of a Kraaifontein high school has gone into hiding following threats on her life.

Police have confirmed that they are investigating a case of intimidation while the Western Cape Education Department says the deputy principal has been appointed as acting principal as an interim measure at Bloekombos Secondary School so that learning can continue.

Yesterday, department officials had a meeting with the SGB and representatives of community structures.

Community activist Linda Phito says principal Zondile Goniwe was followed by a man who rocked up at the school on Saturday.

“She was at loggerheads with the SGB because she believed they were abusing school funds.

“Last Thursday she received death threats over this. The man who called her said she only had two days to live,” says Linda.

“On Saturday she was at school for extra classes and a man in a white Hyundai was standing by the gate.

“He was wearing a black hoodie and they couldn’t see his face.

“She got a fright and asked a colleague to drive her car and on Old Paarl Road they noticed they were being followed.

“They drove to the principal’s father’s home in Bloekombos and then went to the police station to make a case. She was then taken to a safe place.”

Zukeka Jacobs, the SGB chairperson, said they only learnt of the death threats during the meeting yesterday.

“We don’t know anything about these death threats but we are committed to getting the issue resolved for the sake of our children’s education,” she says.

“There is no proof that anybody from the governing body or the school management team is involved in any death threats.”

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department encouraged the principal to report the threats to SAPS, adding: “As this relates to an active investigation, we cannot comment further. We condemn any threats against our staff.”

Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said Kraaifontein SAPS is investigating an intimidation case, with no arrests yet.

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