Cape Argus E-dition

Steps to end gang violence at schools in Grabouw

MTHUTHUZELI NTSEKU mthuthuzeli.ntseku@inl.co.za

THE Grabouw Community Policing Forum says it has seen a sudden influx of gangs in primary and high schools in the area. This follows the recent stabbing incident of a primary school learner.

This also follows an incident in which the Grabouw Youth Patrollers, who search schoolchildren for dangerous weapons, confiscated 95 weapons ranging from pairs of scissors, pangas, knives and screwdrivers yesterday and on Tuesday.

CPF chairperson David Williams said in 2019, two primary school learners died after they were stabbed, but community leadership managed to stop gangsterism in schools and throughout 2020 no incidents were reported. However, he said since March they have seen an increase in gangsterism at schools.

“This affects schooling and learning as you have children who are afraid to attend school because they are either bullied or stabbed after school and whatever happens on the streets is always taken to the school. This sudden increase, we believe, was caused by the influx of kids coming from other towns to study in the area, and we also have an informal settlement that has been growing with different gangs in it. Our kids don’t need to go to school carrying dangerous weapons,” he said.

Williams said a multi-stakeholder meeting was held on Tuesday at which a 7-point prevention plan was discussed and implemented immediately.

It includes the deployment of Grabouw Youth Patroller officers to high-risk schools, a “No to School Gangs” campaign, youth recreational activities and the establishment of a Community Safety Forum to assist patrollers and the police.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said school safety was not just a WCED issue, but a whole community/society issue. Hammond said it was encouraging that various sectors of society united to address school safety, violence and gangsterism.

“The WCED implements various strategies to address school violence and safety. Unfortunately, many of the safety risks are a result of community and gang violence. Addressing these issues goes beyond our mandate and control,” she said.

METRO

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2021-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

http://capeargus.pressreader.com/article/281552294002213

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