FOLLOWING a recent break-in at Ganges Secondary School in Merebank, during which computers were stolen, the KZN Department of Education has vowed to take stronger action against school burglaries.

In response to the incident, the department held a meeting with the national police launched a new safety initiative on July 23.

The aim is to curb the growing number of break-ins affecting schools across the province.

The department aims to have forge strong relations with the police in a bid to eradicate criminal activities in schools.

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Director of school safety in the department, Sifiso Ngobese said the department also aims to discourage learners from bringing weapons to schools.

The recently launched programme aims to curb bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse, and gender-based violence in schools.

Ganges Secondary is still grappling with a significant challenge as rampant cable theft, vandalism and criminal activities continue to rear their ugly heads.

In February, unknown suspects broke into the school premises and removed 16 CCTV cameras worth more than R70 000. The cameras were installed to enhance safety and security at the school.

The National Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the KZN Department of Education and the police, rolled out the school safety protocol activation programme (SSPP).

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The programme is designed to enhance security measures, particularly in schools that have already been targeted by criminals.

Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the department is implementing measures to safeguard affected schools and prevent further incidents.

“Following the Safety Protocol to protect the schools that were recently signed by both the ministers of education and police. Among other issues that we are dealing with are the breaking-ins,” said Mahlambi.

The school safety protocol programme was signed by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and the former Minister of Police, Senzo Mnchunu on June 24.  The programme will be rolled out in all provinces in the country.

The SSPP is initially targeting schools in areas that are in the top 10 police stations nationwide with the most contact crimes reported in the last quarter report.

The department has developed an implementation plan to ensure the effective and adherence to the safety protocol.

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