The Meyerton Police recently carried out a non-disruptive safety initiative at Sicelo following community complaints about bullying on school buses.
The programme was implemented in collaboration with Siyabangena Patrollers, Vereeniging FCS, Dinare, the Sicelo community, and the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens.
Police spokesperson Constable Nompumelelo Zazini explained that the multidisciplinary team monitored buses transporting learners from Savanna City and Lakeside to Sicelo. “The intervention was launched after several complaints and forms part of our ongoing school safety programme.”
The SAPS school safety initiative is a renewed and strengthened partnership with the Department of Basic Education under the “Safe Schools Protocol,” launched in June. The protocol aims to address school violence by increasing police presence in high-risk areas,
conducting joint safety audits, and improving the vetting of educators against registers for sexual offenses and child protection. Key components include addressing issues like gang-related violence, substance abuse, gender-based violence, and implementing proactive crime prevention programmes.
The initiative also included a school visit and educational talk at Kidz Inc. During the visit, officers engaged with young learners, teaching them about their rights and responsibilities. The day featured sports and fun activities designed to foster positive relationships between children and the police.
