False rumours of armed gang members at Princeton Secondary School triggered panic among parents and learners on Thursday morning, though authorities confirmed no actual threat existed, reports Cape townEtc .
The Western Cape Education Department WCED acknowledged receiving alerts about an alleged threat and immediately activated safety protocols. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond stated that it remained not clear if this threat was a rumour or valid, but emphasised that precautionary measures were taken to protect students and staff.
The incident led to a flood of unverified claims on social media, exacerbating fear and confusion. Police and education officials have since dismissed these reports, confirming that no firearms were brought onto the school premises and no violence occurred.