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Hostage drama at top school
13/01/2005 08:34 - (SA)
Borrie la Grange, Beeld
Johannesburg - There was still no accommodation for his daughter in the hostel of the Potchefstroom Girls High School; so he pulled his gun and held four administrative workers hostage.
And then he allegedly even threatened them with a bomb.
The frustration of a Klerksdorp father, employee of the Northwest education department, reached boiling point on Wednesday, the first school day of the new year.
Ephrahim Motsape, 43, a community liaison officer of the department, turned up at the school shortly after 09:00, armed with a pistol and two bottles of petrol in a shoulder bag.
According to superintendent Louis Jacobs, police spokesperson, the desperate Motsapi demanded that his Grade 8 daughter immediately be given accommodation in the school hostel.
Motsapi was at the school last week and again on Tuesday to find out if his daughter had been accepted as a hostel dweller.
But it would only have been possible to determine whether accommodation was available once all applicants arrived.
Jacobs said: "He forced the women (administrative workers) into an office and locked the door.
"He said he had a bomb with him and that he would blow up the school if his daughter was not admitted," Jacobs said.
Motsapi also demanded to talk to representatives of the education department.
The police and negotiators were summoned to the school.
The principal, Eliza Meyer, negotiated with Motsapi and convinced him to free the four women and rather hold herself hostage.
"I was worried about the four women.
"They are older than me and I was afraid one of them might have a heart attack.
"The police gave me a bullet-proof vest and I entered the office.
"Mr Motsapi was really upset and I tried to calm him by making us a cup of tea and talking to him.
"I told him I understood that he only wanted the best for his daughter but that he had allowed his emotions to dictate his actions.
"He said he knew he was doing wrong but he felt it was the only way out," Meyer said on Wednesday evening.
After about 40 minutes of coaxing Motsapi gave himself up.
He handed his pistol to Meyer and she gave it to the police through a window.
Broke down and cried
"He then held on to me and cried bitterly," Meyer said.
She lauded the police for their quick and decisive action.
Although it became clear on Wednesday that there would be room in the hostel for Motsapi's daughter, the school's management body would have to decide whether she could still be allowed in view of the incident.
Patricia Boikanyo, education department spokesperson, said on Wednesday the department would investigate the incident. She said Motsapi might face disciplinary steps. Motsapi appeared in the Potchefstroom magistrate's court on Wednesday afternoon on charges of kidnapping, pointing of a firearm and making a bomb threat.
He made an urgent application for bail and was granted bail of R500.
He has to appear in court again next week.
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