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11 May, 2016 |
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WCED questions Gugulethu SAPS commitment to learner safety. Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education Since the beginning of the year, there has been a flare up of gang violence throughout the Province. Although the majority of incidents are off school premises and within the community affected, gang violence can spill over into schools when learners are directly involved. We are therefore concerned for the safety of learners and educators when there are flare-ups in the community and the possibility of weapons being carried into schools. Safe and secure learning environments are essential if we are to ensure that quality education is delivered. It is imperative that our schools remain weapon and drug free. The reality is that some learners do come to school in possession of dangerous objects and illegal drugs, despite the fact that our Western Cape Provincial School Education Act clearly states that no person may bring these items onto the school premises at any time. This morning I visited Fezeka Secondary School in Gugulethu to oversee a surprise 'search and seizure' operation by SAPS. These searches by SAPS form part of our broader campaign to improve safety in our schools. The School Safety Committee at Fezeka Secondary School had reported to the WCED Safe Schools Directorate that they suspect that a number of learners are allegedly affiliated to gangs. In the past, learners at Fezeka Secondary have been threatened by fellow learners on the school grounds. The school safety committee requested the assistance of the SAPS to conduct a surprise search and seizure operation. It is not uncommon for the WCED to call on SAPS or City Law Enforcement to conduct random search and seizure operations at schools as a security measure and to deter learners from bringing weapons and narcotics onto school premises. We visited the school today in an attempt to send a strong message to learners that drugs and weapons are not acceptable at school. Unfortunately we were the ones who were surprised, when we arrived at the school and the operation had clearly not been properly communicated by the officer at Gugulethu Police Station who had confirmed this morning that everything was in order. Sniffer dogs that were promised were not there, even an hour later than the specified time, and the police officers who were called in at the last minute clearly had no idea of the procedural guidelines that need to be followed when conducting searches of this nature. Despite the chaos, there were two knives removed from learners, both hidden in their socks. We hope that this will at least deter learners from bringing weapons onto school premises. We hope to conduct more of these, but are extremely concerned at the organisational capacity of SAPS in Gugulethu. I requested a meeting with General Jula a month ago. But to date have still not received a confirmed date of an appointment. After what I witnessed today, I will be reiterating that request. | |
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