Armed robbers hit school for the visually impaired in Pretoria

The Gauteng department of education confirmed that a school for the visually impaired in Pretoria was robbed early on Wednesday.

The department's spokesperson Steve Mabona said the incident happened at around 5.30am at Prinshof School for the Visually Impaired.

Mabona said that according to information received‚ three robbers broke into the school premises and threatened to attack a member of staff with a knife.

He said they also threatened the housekeeper with scissors and stole her cellphone.

"The security personnel heard the screams of the two ladies and immediately rushed to their rescue. However the perpetrators managed to flee the scene. The matter has been reported to the police for investigation," said Mabona.

He said support staff had been dispatched to the school to counsel all affected staff.

Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi condemned the robbery.

"We strongly condemn this unfortunate incident and take such matters in seriously. We will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book and justice is served‚" he said.