Parents of some of the learners at TM Letlhake Secondary School in Simunye are doing their bit to up security at the school. They have been searching learners for any illegal objects before they enter the premises.
The searches are conducted every school day at 07:00 and is an effort to eradicate the criminal element at the school and ensure that learners and educators feel safe.
This is also in response to the recent incident when three learners aged between 16 and 17 were arrested for stabbing four other learners during a fight at the school.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald one of the parents, Pastor Tebogo Khaola said they formed a task team to tackle the social ills.
“We have decided to join hands as parents and work towards ensuring safety at the school.
“We were obviously shocked and heartbroken by what transpired recently and we knew we had to step in and offer some kind of assistance, and I’m glad we did.
“Our children and the educators are feeling a lot safer and that’s what we want.
“It really does make a difference and the learners are adhering to the new norm,” said Khaola who added that the team started off with seven parents but is now down to three.
He believes that other parents will be motivated to join the team when schools reopen.
The team was set up on August 1 and has since confiscated a butcher’s knife, drugs and dagga among other items, which were handed over to the police.
Members of the Community Policing Forum have been stationed at the school too to maintain calm.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Education Department (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona said a report compiled by the school indicated that over-aged learners were identified as perpetrators of gangsterism and ill discipline at the school.
