Authorities confiscated knives, scissors, a fork and vapes from learners during a safety operation at Badirile Secondary School in Khutsong, Carletonville.
The stop-and-search operation took place on Tuesday morning and was led by the Gauteng Department of Education and the South African Police Service.
Gauteng Traffic Police, traffic wardens, community policing forums, patrollers and community members also supported the operation.
Education MEC Lebogang Maile said the search formed part of the province’s short-term response to violence, bullying and crime at schools.
He said similar operations would continue at other schools and would not always be announced in advance.
School described as deeply troubled
Maile described Badirile Secondary as one of Gauteng’s most troubled schools.
He alleged that some learners had threatened teachers and claimed they would call criminals or illegal miners to harm educators.
The department had also received complaints about bullying, gangsterism and learners who regularly entered the school without attending lessons.
Maile said a murder had taken place at the school earlier in the year, after which conditions had deteriorated further.
He added that some suspended learners had allegedly torn up their suspension letters and continued arriving at the school.
Educators also face investigation
The MEC said five teachers were accused of repeatedly missing work, failing to teach and visiting taverns during school hours.
He instructed the department’s labour relations unit to investigate their conduct.
Maile said educators had also raised concerns about unresolved problems at the school during his visit.
The absence of a permanent principal had contributed to the breakdown in discipline, he added.
The district was instructed to appoint an acting principal while the recruitment process for a permanent head continues.
Parents called to account
Parents of learners linked to disciplinary cases were ordered to report to the school.
Maile warned that officials could visit their homes if they failed to attend.
The district director will also meet educators and the school governing body, while a broader parents’ meeting is expected to follow.
Maile said the department wanted to restore order within weeks by strengthening leadership, discipline and parental involvement.
The operation forms part of Gauteng’s wider strategy to make schools safer for learners and educators.