Stringent security controls implemented
SUNDOWNER – Security controls intensified following an attempt to kidnap two girls at Curro Aurora.
Curro Aurora in Sundowner, has intensified its security measures following an alleged attempt to kidnap two of its pupils, aged three and five, about six weeks ago.
It is alleged that a red-haired woman (60), tried to kidnap two girls after school, while distracting their mother, Debbie Fendick (see Child snatcher scare in the Randburg Sun week ending 28 March).
When Fendick suspected that the woman was making a move towards one of her daughters, she screamed, and the security guard Daniel Munyai, immediately apprehended the woman and asked her to leave. No case was opened at the Honeydew police station.
“Child safety is important at this school,” said the executive head of the school Johann Ueckermann. “All schools are high-risk areas and the safety of children is paramount.”
He added that they have made stringent changes to the security control measures at school
“We are adding more cameras to the school and have employed an extra guard. Controlling access to the school at peak times is almost impossible without extreme inconvenience, but we will spend a large amount of money on barriers.” He added that the school signed a contract with a new security company, which patrols the area more often. They have also submitted a budget to the Curro health and safety manager for “other security upgrades”, including finger print access control and an upgraded perimeter fence. He said the school will soon launch a safety awareness campaign to educate its pupils about safety.
“You can throw millions of rands on safety but if you do not equip children to deal with situations, it does not help.” Ueckermann said pupils have discussed safety issues during life orientation classes but a professional will visit soon, to discuss safety awareness. Apart from the upgrades and safety awareness he pointed out that Munyai was the “big hero” for acting quickly and possibly preventing a kidnapping incident. Munyai said that if someone tried to kidnap a child at the school, “I would protect the children with all of my powers”.
Details: Curro Aurora Private School 011 795 7100; Honeydew police 011 801 8613.
