Pupils witch-hunt principal

1987, Durban, South Africa --- South African Sangomas are wizards and witches who are supposedly chosen by their ancestors to follow a traditional training and go through a rite of passage after which they become Sangomas and can cure and help people. They are so respected and trusted that western medical authorities have actually advised the government of South Africa to develop its cooperation with Sangomas in order to improve hygiene and health among the population. Pictured here is set of bones on a floor mat used by Sangomas to tell their clients' futures. --- Image by © Patrick Durand/Sygma/Corbis
1987, Durban, South Africa --- South African Sangomas are wizards and witches who are supposedly chosen by their ancestors to follow a traditional training and go through a rite of passage after which they become Sangomas and can cure and help people. They are so respected and trusted that western medical authorities have actually advised the government of South Africa to develop its cooperation with Sangomas in order to improve hygiene and health among the population. Pictured here is set of bones on a floor mat used by Sangomas to tell their clients' futures. --- Image by © Patrick Durand/Sygma/Corbis
Pupils from Port St Johns Senior Secondary School threatened to burn down their school yesterday after they accused the principal of practising witchcraft.

Police spokesman Captain Mduduzi Godlana said chaos erupted at the school in the morning when pupils disrupted learning by burning wood and car tyres at the school’s entrance gate.

“When we got to the scene there were about 300 pupils chanting and dancing, calling for the school principal to be removed.

“The pupils are accusing the principal of practising witchcraft.

“They say the principal makes them sick and when they are sick he does not offer them assistance,” Godlana said.

A group of 50 parents including members of the school governing body met with teachers at about 11am to discuss a way forward.

“The tension subsided for a while during the meeting but pupils again gathered in front of the office where the meeting was taking place.”

He said the meeting was disrupted by the singing and dancing pupils, resulting in teachers and the principal going home.

“The school is closed, we monitored the situation until everyone had left the premises.

“There was no damage done to the school and there were no injuries reported,” Godlana said, adding no one was arrested and no case had been opened.

A response to questions sent to the department of education was not received at the time of writing. — Zwanga Mukhuthu

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