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12 April, 2016 |
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Minister Schafer seeks Police Commissioner's urgent response to gang violence around Western Cape schools. Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education I am extremely concerned regarding the flare up of gang violence around our schools in Bonteheuwel, Modderdam and Manenberg. Last week (Friday), a grade 9 learner from Modderdam was stabbed in the chest, allegedly by gangsters. When I enquired as to the details of the incident, I was advised that there were two meetings last term between SAPS Bishop Lavis, WCED Safe Schools and relevant roleplayers. The second happened in the last week of term, where a plan was put in place, which plan included increased visibility of SAPS at the beginning of this term. This incident happened during the first week. I have been advised that there was absolutely no increase in police visibility. When there are reports of violence taking place in a certain area, schools implement their safety plan. In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85/1993, every school must have a safety plan that meets local requirements, and a committee responsible for implementing the plan. During an incident of gang violence and/or trespassing, the Safe Schools call centre ensures that the relevant authorities are alerted to deal with gang intimidation and threats and gang shootings in and around the school. In recent events, schools in Manenberg, Modderdam and Bonteheuwel have followed their safety plans, and alerted the authorities to the imminent threat outside the school gates. In most cases, if the SAPS responded, one vehicle and one police officer would arrive, which is simply not adequate to deal with 5-10 armed gang members. Schools and the Department have repeatedly requested additional police visibility around schools, however, visibility has been minimal, and sporadic. The ongoing scourge of gangsterism plaguing our schools has to stop. In the past, a strong police presence has helped to minimise the number of incidents reported. However, how can our police increase visibility when they are highly under-resourced? The Western Cape is the most under-resourced province in South Africa with 85% of our stations being under-staffed. This could be as a result of the 2 392 posts that have simply not been filled. Should all the granted posts be filled, it would mean approximately 20 additional officers on the ground for each station in this province, of which 4 would be detectives. The WCED is doing all that it can to protect our learners while on the school property but we do need the assistance of all stakeholders to ensure learner safety. The primary responsibility to deal with crime is with the nationally controlled SAPS. It is clear that they are simply not able to cope, given their ongoing under-resourcing. I have been advised that the only stakeholders that are consistently reliable are City of Cape Town Metro Police and Law Enforcement. I was so angered by the events of Friday that I requested an urgent meeting with Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jula, to discuss how they plan to comply with their constitutional duty to keep our learners safe, especially in the light of his stated commitment to address the gang problem in the Western Cape. I made myself available over the weekend and evenings. However, to date his office has advised us that they cannot secure a date for this meeting. I am however very aware of the impact gang violence has on our schools and I am heartened by the strength and commitment many of our educators who have, during difficult times, ensured that they create a sense of normalcy in their schools so that teaching and learning continues. I will continue to try and lobby support for our schools from all sectors of communities and the state. Our schools, learners and educators need all our support in these very tough and challenging times. | |
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