The Gauteng West District along with the Tshwane West District are at the top of the school crime pile.
This was revealed when Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education and Youth Development released statistics relating to crimes that have been committed in Gauteng schools since the beginning of 2019.
The Gauteng West District includes Bekkersdal, Brandvlei, Glenharvie, Hekpoort, Krugersdorp, Libanon, Magaliesberg, Mohlakeng, Muldersdrift, Randfontein, Randfontein South, Toekomsrus, Venterspos, Western Areas, Westonaria and Azaadville. Criminal incidents were reported at 30 schools where 31 cases of theft and vandalism, 74 cases of bullying (the most out of the 15 districts) and 11 cases of violence and assault had been reported. Lesufi said the total amount lost is R932 200.
Also Read:
The Johannesburg West District, however, which includes Florida, Roodepoort, Soweto, Bram Fischer, Tshepisong, Meadowlands and Dobsonville is at the bottom of the list where just one case of theft and vandalism, as well as three cases of violence and assault at one school were reported.
“We are extremely concerned about and disappointed in the level of criminal incidents that have been reported at schools since the beginning of 2019. It is concerning that the Department has lost a total of R121 348 663,40. In about 256 schools in Gauteng, 262 cases of theft and vandalism, 187 cases of bullying and 107 of violence and assault were reported.
Lesufi said the crime such as theft, burglaries and vandalism led to the loss of valuable resources meant to enhance the delivery of quality education to learners.
“Unfortunately, our resources are seen by some as an opportunity to feed their criminal needs and rob our learners of their right to quality basic education.
“Though there is support from the law enforcement agencies, the Department is of the belief that more can still be done, and the law enforcement agencies must bring education to the centre of their security analyses, security and risk. This will allow the Department to focus on its main mandate.
“We would like to appeal to members of the community to take ownership of their schools and declare war against criminals who are targeting schools. Learners must always focus on their education and avoid ill-discipline,” Lesufi concluded.
