WATCH: School Principal Allegedly Runs Over Learners Amid Uniform Dispute at Mmokeng Secondary School

Orkney, North West – 17 April 2026

Tensions boiled over into chaos in Kanana township, Orkney, on Friday when the principal of Mmokeng Secondary School in Extension 4 allegedly drove a vehicle into a group of protesting Grade 12 learners, injuring three students.

The incident has sparked outrage among parents, learners, and the local community, highlighting deep frustrations over alleged delays in delivering matric school uniforms that learners and parents paid for months ago.

Uniform Payments Spark Long-Running Dispute

At the heart of the conflict are claims that matric learners paid between R400 and R2000 each for special school uniforms that have not yet been delivered. The issue reportedly dragged on for months, building resentment between the principal, the School Governing Body (SGB), parents, and Grade 12 pupils.

Eyewitnesses described how the situation escalated rapidly during ongoing protests and heated discussions. The principal allegedly stormed out in anger before the vehicle incident occurred, leaving three learners injured. The exact extent of their injuries remains unconfirmed as authorities continue to investigate.

Parents and learners have raised serious questions about the handling of the uniform funds, with many demanding accountability and immediate delivery of the ordered items.

WATCH:

North West Education Department Responds

The North West Department of Education, under MEC Viola Motsumi, moved quickly to address the unrest. In an official update, the department confirmed that the situation at Mmokeng Secondary School has since been stabilised.

MEC Motsumi stated that the principal provided proof of payment to the supplier, aiming to ease concerns over the collected funds. The principal is currently in meetings with the SGB and parents to resolve the matter and restore normalcy at the school.

“Frustrations among Grade 12 learners over delays in receiving their special matric uniforms triggered the disruption,” the department noted, while emphasising efforts to bring stability back to the learning environment.

Community Reactions and Calls for Investigation

Local residents and parents expressed shock at the alleged actions, with many calling for a full, independent investigation into both the vehicle incident and the financial management of the uniform orders.

Questions are being raised about school governance, transparency in handling learner contributions, and the safety of students during protests. Community leaders have urged calm while demanding swift justice and resolution to prevent further disruptions, especially as matric learners prepare for their final examinations.

This incident adds to broader concerns about school-related disputes in South African townships, where issues around fees, uniforms, and infrastructure often lead to protests that affect teaching and learning.

Ongoing Developments

Authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), are expected to probe the circumstances leading up to the alleged incident, the injuries sustained, and any potential charges.

The North West Department of Education has assured the public that it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

This remains a developing story. Further details on the condition of the injured learners, outcomes of the meetings, and any disciplinary actions will be reported as they emerge.

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Parents and stakeholders are advised to follow official channels from the North West Department of Education for verified updates on the resolution of the Mmokeng Secondary School dispute.