Cape schools plagued by vandalism and crime

By Chanel September
18 May 2007

Schools in the Western Cape have been plagued with vandalism and crime with the Safe Schools call centre receiving 270 reports of vandalism and burglaries since the beginning of the school year.

According to statistics 174 reports of crime, 167 reports of abuse and 53 reports of gang-related violence have all been reported for the period of January until April.

Crimes include all forms of criminal activity such as pupils who are in possession of drugs and weapons.

“The department has millions in 2005/2006 on repairs and maintenance at 707 schools” says, spokesperson for Education MEC Cameron Dugmore, Gert Witbooi.

“The 109 high risk schools were secured by providing security infrastructure to enhance the access control at the school. Safety gates, burglar bars, barbed wire, mesh wire and alarm systems were all equipped at the schools costing the department R4.19m during that period”, says Witbooi.

This past week police searched the Oval North High School in Mitchells Plain where a private matric candidate was found in possession of tik. He was arrested and is to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court.