Statement by Yousuf Gabru, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

Yousuf Gabru, MEC for Education in the Western Cape, visited Mountain Road Primary School this morning (Monday, 3 November 2008) to find out how learners came to be abducted from the school last week.

The learners were brought back to school in Woodstock the same day after a member of the public became suspicious of the man they were with.

Mr Gabru this morning met with acting principal, Natasha Pedro, to express support for the principal and discuss how the department can assist the school as well as help other schools to prevent a similar incident.

Ms Pedro said the school has since reworked their Safety and Security Policy because although the school has a strict access policy, there was no procedure in place to deal with cases of abduction.

The incident happened between 13:00 and 13:15 on a Friday afternoon after the learners had already been dismissed for the day. An unknown man approached learners in Aftercare while the personnel had a brief meeting.

The suspect pretended to be an official from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and promised to pay learners R30 if they help him carry books and computers to his vehicle. The learners left the premises without informing the personnel in charge of the Aftercare.

"It happened so quickly. The personnel got together for only about five minutes," said Ms Pedro. "The incident highlights how vigilant one has to be all the time."

She said the school has since decided to do a full "lock-up".

Mr Gabru said he was reassured that the principal has taken every reasonable step to manage the situation. "It is important that the school should recover as soon as possible and learn from the experience."

He appealed to schools to revisit their safety plans to ensure that this kind of incident does not happen again at other schools.

According to Ms Pedro it was especially shocking that the boys concerned were lured off the premises, because the school had embarked on Stranger Danger programs in the past. "It highlights that children must continuously be made aware not to be enticed by promises of sweets or money."

Mr Gabru in turn suggested that people who claim to represent the department should be asked to produce their identity cards before they are granted access to the school grounds.

Meanwhile Sergeant Hilton Malila, spokesperson for the Woodstock-police station, said police are following up leads after an identikit of the suspect was released on Friday. "The case enjoys top priority and our officers are hard at work to try and apprehend the suspect."

For enquiries, contact Millicent Merton:  072 724 1422, or mmerton@pgwc.gov.za.

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Almal