Limpopo Edu Dept to Act on Rise in Crime and Bullying at Schools

by Schools4SA

Limpopo Edu Dept to Combat Rise in School Crime and Bullying

Key Items

• Deployment of law enforcement officials to schools
• Surge in criminal and bullying activities
• Initiatives like motivational talks and search operations
• Discovery of dangerous objects, drugs, and dagga
• Statements from the Seshego Community Against Crime and Gangsterism (Scagag)
• Cairo Seima's comments on maintaining safety and discipline

The Department of Education in Limpopo has announced plans to deploy law enforcement officials to schools experiencing a rise in criminal activity and bullying. This action comes in response to the increasingly disruptive and dangerous behavior reported among students. Schools like Westenburg Secondary have implemented initiatives such as motivational talks and search operations to address these issues. However, certain schools in the Seshego area, including Millennium Combined and Peter Nchabeleng Secondary, have faced more severe problems, with students allegedly bringing weapons and substances onto school grounds. A recent harrowing incident involved a learner recounting how another student attempted to attack her with a dangerous weapon. The Seshego Community Against Crime and Gangsterism (Scagag) has confirmed multiple search operations, uncovering dangerous objects, drugs, and dagga in the possession of learners. Cairo Seima, a spokesperson for the department, stated that the decision to involve law enforcement aims to ensure the consistent safety and discipline of learners. Seima also acknowledged the widespread reports of dangerous weapons and illegal drugs being brought into schools, affirming the department's commitment to addressing the situation.

In a recent incident, a learner recounted a harrowing experience where a fellow student attempted to use a dangerous weapon against her within the school grounds. The Department of Education has announced plans to deploy law enforcement officials to schools experiencing increasing levels of criminal activity and bullying. This decision comes as some schools, previously unaffected, have seen a surge in disruptive and dangerous behaviour among learners. In certain schools, such as Westenburg Secondary School, efforts to combat these issues have included frequent motivational talks and search operations. However, other schools in the Seshego area, including Millennium Combined and Peter Nchabeleng Secondary, have faced more severe disruptions. Learners at these schools have allegedly brought weapons and substances onto the premises, threatening the safety of students and staff and disrupting the learning environment. In a recent incident, a learner recounted a harrowing experience where a fellow student attempted to use a dangerous weapon against her within the school grounds. The Seshego Community Against Crime and Gangsterism (Scagag), represented by member Vincent Kunutu, confirmed that several search operations have been conducted in collaboration with law enforcement. These operations have uncovered dangerous objects, drugs, and dagga in the possession of learners. Cairo Seima, a spokesperson for the department on the matter, stated that the decision to involve law enforcement is aimed at ensuring consistent safety and discipline among learners. Seima acknowledged the widespread reports of dangerous weapons and illegal drugs being brought into schools and said the department is actively working on strategies to address the situation.

Main Takeaways

• The rise in school crime and bullying has prompted the Department of Education to take strong action.
• Specific schools have experienced significant disruptions, necessitating the involvement of law enforcement.
• Search operations have revealed the presence of dangerous objects and illegal substances among learners.

Reference:
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/news-headlines/local-news/2024/08/11/edu-to-act-on-rise-in-crime-bullying-at-schools/