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23 February, 2014 |
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WCED, SAPS discuss safety in Manenberg. Statement by Bronagh Casey - Spokesperson for Minister Donald Grant This morning, the WCED met with SAPS, various educators and other roleplayers to discuss safety concerns in the Manenberg. The meeting was productive with SAPS outlining a comprehensive 2 week plan, as well as a long term plan, aimed at containing the violence in Manenberg. Please contact SAPS for details on this plan. SAPS indicated that they are optimistic that this plan would yield positive results. Given the comprehensive plan which SAPS have outlined and their optimism to contain the violence, the WCED does not think that it is reasonable, nor in the best interest of learners to close down any schools in the area. SAPS made mention that it was in their opinion that learners are safer at school, than not in school, when violence of this nature occurs. The WCED are however, cognizant of the fact that there is internal court order in place. We will deal with the internal court order during the course of tomorrow. The papers were served on the WCED only late on Friday afternoon. We are very disappointed and concerned at how the process was dealt with from a legal perspective. Irrespective of the merits of this case, from a legal point of view, the order was served on the Department without the WCED being given adequate notice or opportunity to consult our legal team. Our legal team will now study the interim order and will provide advice. We do not concede that the WCED can or should assume the job of the police in protecting the people of Manenberg with regards to gang violence. We are of course concerned about the gang violence in Manenberg and around our schools, and in other areas, as mentioned by Premier Zille in her State of the Province address on Friday: "Gang violence has once again surged in recent weeks with many innocent bystanders being caught in the gang crossfire and schooling in certain hotspot areas being disrupted, including Manenberg. I am therefore calling on President Zuma and Minister Mthethwa to take the action that is needed to properly resource policing in these areas, so that crimes are investigated and convictions secured. The small number of Metro Police cannot be expected to take over the function of SAPS." We will continue to engage in this process. | |
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