Police in Malamulele have launched a manhunt for a gang of armed suspects who allegedly stormed Nkatini High School in Xigalo Village, Limpopo, tied up four staff members and robbed learners of 41 school tablets and 15 cellphones during an overnight study session.

The incident occurred at approximately 03:00 on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, while learners were studying under the supervision of four staff members at the school in Vhembe district.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, the suspects, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, first entered a classroom where two male staff members were supervising learners.

One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a firearm, while the others were carrying a pick, a knife and housebreaking implements.

The suspects allegedly overpowered the two male staff members and tied them up before moving to another classroom, where they found two female staff members sleeping. The women were also tied up.

The gang then proceeded to three separate classrooms where learners were studying and allegedly demanded their tablets and cellphones.

The suspects fled the school with 41 tablets and 15 cellphones. Police also said the total value of the stolen items has not yet been determined.

Police have launched an investigation into the robbery and are working to track down the suspects, who remain at large.

SAPS has appealed to anyone with information that could assist in the investigation or lead to the suspects’ arrest to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Shadrack Mabunda, on 082 729 0229.

Information can also be reported at the nearest police station, through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS application.

Police investigations are continuing.