Rampaging pupils 'severely injure' Umlazi teachers

Two teachers have been attacked by pupils who went on the rampage at an Umlazi school, the KwaZulu-Natal education department said on Tuesday.

"We have no idea what prompted it. The educators were severely injured," said department spokesman Muzi Mahlambi.

Mahlambi said there had been problems at Vukuzakhe High School over the last few months over its principal Doris Fulela.

"As the department ... we are very much worried about what is going on at that school. It's a matter that has been going on for months," he said.

"It started with some educators not being happy with the principal. They boycotted classes and they had a very long list about the things they were not happy about."

The department of education intervened, and the head of department appointed a team to look into the matter.

They were still investigating when teachers returned to school.

"We were all surprised last Friday when learners went on a rampage and attacked two educators at the school."

He said department officials would return to the school on Tuesday to try and resolve the matter.

Police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane could not immediately comment.

The Sowetan reported that the pupils wanted the principal to remain in charge of the school and accused unionised teachers of planning to oust her by spreading rumours that she had misused school funds. The newspaper further reported that four teachers had been attacked. Mahlambi could not confirm that.