A young girl, a learner from Lowveld High, was stabbed and mugged earlier this month in Figtree Street. This caused great concern in the city. Are our children safe? Mr Jasper Zwane, head of the Department of Education, confirmed that the school had already intensified its measures to ensure the safety of all the learners. “These measures include to constantly advise pupils to remain vigilant at all times, walk in groups and avoid locations that may make them vulnerable,” said Zwane.
According to Zwane the SAPS has made a commitment to enhance their patrol programme. Hi-Tech has also been appointed by the school to ensure that the safety of learners were not compromised. The department rendered counselling to the learner but neither the school nor Zwane could provide more information about the mugging.
The Ward 15 committee for education has been discussing this issue and others since 2012, with various suggestions being forwarded to Mbombela Municipality. There has been a proposal on the table to fence off the Bergvlam Stream for about 10 years, creating a wetland reserve. This area is used by vagrants, muggers, burglars, illegal dumpers etc. It stretches all the way up to Laerskool Laeveld.
Council approved the fencing off of the area at the outset, but role players have changed since then and prospective sponsors for palisade/electrified fencing left. “Fencing off the stream is the only viable option and will have may benefits other than security, including environmental awareness and the opportunity for learners to become involved in rehabilitation projects,” said Felicity Lange, Ward 15 councillor.
Nelspruit Post approached Mr Joseph Ngala, spokesman for Mbombela Local Municipality, but no comment was received by the time of going to print.
