Burglary and vandalism at Gauteng schools a serious concern
Community safety revealed 105 cases were opened of burglary and vandalism by Gauteng schools since the beginning of the year.
The DA calls on the police to ensure all reported cases of burglary and vandalism opened by Gauteng schools are investigated and result in convictions.
This follows as Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko revealed 105 cases of burglary and vandalism were opened by Gauteng schools since the beginning of the year.
Mazibuko revealed it in a written reply to the DA’s questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
Among the schools that reported the crimes were Mthombo primary school in Mamelodi, Orlando high school in Soweto, Sebokeng Community Learning centre, WF Nkomo secondary school in Atteridgeville and Tshepisong primary school in Kagiso.
Of these cases reported, only six arrests have been made, with all cases still under investigation.
Furthermore, most of the suspects arrested are repeat offenders and are still on trial for other charges.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Khume Ramulifho, said it is concerning that our schools continue to be a target for criminals and that both the Gauteng Department of Education and Community Safety have dismally failed to prevent thefts and burglaries.
“The DA believes there are more than the 105 cases of burglary and vandalism that have been reported,” said Ramulifho.
He added that it is very worrying that the Gauteng Department of Education continues to lose millions of rands through theft, burglaries and vandalism while not much is being done to safeguard the assets.
“These incidents clearly indicate an ineffective school safety strategy and that the SAPS is failing to prioritise the safety of schools.
“There is also a need for community members to take ownership of the schools as well as to strengthen the relationship with law enforcement agencies to prioritise school safety,” said Ramulifho.
He added that there is also a great need for fences or walls surrounding the schools to ensure their safety and they should also prioritise police visibility across all schools.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said the police are patrolling local schools from time to time to prevent crime.
“We also have Adopt-A-Cop programme at schools, aimed at reviving school safety forums and to encourage pupils to report crime as well as be patrollers at the schools,” he said.
Makhubela concluded that some of the criminals are arrested but others run away when they see police vehicles patrolling the school at night.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
