A security guard at Hayfields Primary School is being hailed a hero after refusing to leave two six-year-old learners stranded outside the school for more than five hours, staying behind long after his shift had ended to ensure their safety.
The shocking incident, which has sparked outrage across South Africa, unfolded in Pietermaritzburg on 21 May 2026, after the two children, both aged six, were allegedly left waiting outside the school long after classes had ended.
According to reports shared online, the learners had finished school at approximately 12:30, but by 18:00, they were still sitting outside the school gate.
A local resident who later shared the story publicly said they drove past the school at around 18:00 and noticed three children, the security guard, a vehicle with four adults, and two other adults nearby.
One child was reportedly collected and left, but the two six-year-olds remained stranded.
The resident said an off-duty police officer and his wife, who had been out walking, first noticed the children and stopped to investigate after hearing them playing outside.
The officer reportedly contacted the children’s mother, who allegedly claimed that her vehicle had broken down at around 14:00.
However, according to those who intervened, instead of showing concern, the mother allegedly became aggressive and dismissive, telling those assisting to mind their own business.
The incident has triggered anger online, particularly because the children had allegedly been left alone for more than five hours in a country battling high levels of child abductions, trafficking and violent crime.
Amid the outrage, praise has poured in for the school’s security guard, who reportedly chose to remain with the children long after his shift ended, refusing to leave them unattended despite missing his own transport home.
The guard remained with the frightened, hungry and exhausted children until help arrived.
Security company Mi7 Security Intelligence later reportedly stepped in and transported the guard into town after he missed his ride home because he had stayed to protect the children.
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the off-duty officer, his wife and community members eventually took the children to South African Police Service’s Alexandra Police Station for safety.
Along the way, they stopped at Roman’s Pizza Hayfields, where owner Deon reportedly sponsored meals for the children after learning they were hungry.
At the police station, the children were warmly received before their uncle eventually arrived, reportedly horrified to learn they had allegedly been left stranded for so long.
The matter has since been reported to SAPS, while the school principal and deputy principal have also been informed. A school social worker is expected to follow up on the incident.
In a statement, Hayfields Primary School said it takes the safety and wellbeing of learners seriously and confirmed the matter had been addressed with the relevant parties.
The school also thanked community members, security personnel, SAPS and everyone who helped ensure the children’s safety, adding that it is reviewing procedures with parents and staff to help prevent similar incidents in future.
“The well-being and protection of our learners will always remain a priority,” the school said.
While outrage continues over the circumstances that allegedly left the children stranded, many South Africans say the unnamed security guard’s compassion and sense of duty likely prevented a tragedy, with some calling for him to be formally recognised for his actions.
