POLOKWANE – The Department of Education has announced plans to deploy law enforcement officials to schools experiencing increasing levels of criminal activity and bullying.
This decision comes as some schools, previously unaffected, have seen a surge in disruptive and dangerous behaviour among learners.
In certain schools, such as Westenburg Secondary School, efforts to combat these issues have included frequent motivational talks and search operations.
However, other schools in the Seshego area, including Millennium Combined and Peter Nchabeleng Secondary, have faced more severe disruptions.
Learners at these schools have allegedly brought weapons and substances onto the premises, threatening the safety of students and staff and disrupting the learning environment.
In a recent incident, a learner recounted a harrowing experience where a fellow student attempted to use a dangerous weapon against her within the school grounds.
The Seshego Community Against Crime and Gangsterism (Scagag), represented by member Vincent Kunutu, confirmed that several search operations have been conducted in collaboration with law enforcement.
These operations have uncovered dangerous objects, drugs, and dagga in the possession of learners.
Cairo Seima, a spokesperson for the department on the matter, stated that the decision to involve law enforcement is aimed at ensuring consistent safety and discipline among learners.
Seima acknowledged the widespread reports of dangerous weapons and illegal drugs being brought into schools and said the department is actively working on strategies to address the situation.
