The plan to safeguard schools after break-in at RSS
This comes after the Randfontein Secondary School in Toekomsrus was broken into recently and equipment worth thousands was stolen at the premises.
Residents throughout the different communities are urged to safeguard the schools in their areas and be whistle-blowers should they have information regarding people who break in at schools and steal learning and teaching resources.
This is word from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) following a burglary incident at Randfontein Secondary School on Tuesday, October 11.
During this time, electronic and teaching equipment worth thousands of rands were stolen. The items included three laptops, two microwaves, a projector, printer, money safe, switchboard, television, whiteboard and a smart board.
The Department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona said the matter has been brought to their attention.
“We can confirm that we are aware of the incident that took place in the early morning of Tuesday, October 11 at Randfontein Secondary School whereby school items were stolen and a case of burglary has been opened with the Police. Consequently, the matter was reported to the Police and an investigation is currently underway. The district has already visited the school to provide necessary support, accordingly,” said Mabona
He continued to outline the department`s vigorous approach to school safety, which includes the following:
• Ensuring that all public schools implement their approved School Safety policies through increased monitoring by departmental officials such as their head office and districts
• Strengthening the GDE/ SAPS linking of schools to local police stations partnership
• Capacity building programmes for School Safety Committees to improve their functionality and efficiency. SAPS, GDE and Department of Community Safety will work together on this programme
• Deployment of armed security for the night shift only and ten patrollers during the day supported by surveillance cameras. The number of schools with this level of security will increase annually
• Searches and Seizure operations will continue in schools
• Schools with poor fencing and decaying infrastructure will be prioritised to improve school safety
