Education Department devises plans to root out crime in schools
FOLLOWING a recent break-in at Ganges Secondary School in Merebank, during which computers were stolen, the KZN Department of Education has vowed to take stronger action against school burglaries.
In response to the incident, the department held a meeting with the national police launched a new safety initiative on July 23.
The aim is to curb the growing number of break-ins affecting schools across the province.
The department aims to have forge strong relations with the police in a bid to eradicate criminal activities in schools.
Also read: Montclair residents rescue elderly couple from blaze
Director of school safety in the department, Sifiso Ngobese said the department also aims to discourage learners from bringing weapons to schools.
The recently launched programme aims to curb bullying, gangsterism, substance abuse, and gender-based violence in schools.
Ganges Secondary is still grappling with a significant challenge as rampant cable theft, vandalism and criminal activities continue to rear their ugly heads.
In February, unknown suspects broke into the school premises and removed 16 CCTV cameras worth more than R70 000. The cameras were installed to enhance safety and security at the school.
The National Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the KZN Department of Education and the police, rolled out the school safety protocol activation programme (SSPP).
Also read: Police warn of social media accounts impersonating Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi
The programme is designed to enhance security measures, particularly in schools that have already been targeted by criminals.
Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the department is implementing measures to safeguard affected schools and prevent further incidents.
'Following the Safety Protocol to protect the schools that were recently signed by both the ministers of education and police. Among other issues that we are dealing with are the breaking-ins,' said Mahlambi.
The school safety protocol programme was signed by Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and the former Minister of Police, Senzo Mnchunu on June 24. The programme will be rolled out in all provinces in the country.
The SSPP is initially targeting schools in areas that are in the top 10 police stations nationwide with the most contact crimes reported in the last quarter report.
The department has developed an implementation plan to ensure the effective and adherence to the safety protocol.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
6 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Unions responsible for rising unemployment — Mkhwanazi
KZN police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkwanazi has blamed South Africa's rising unemployment rate on trade unions, which he says continually demand more money for their members. 'We need to interrogate this thing. Premier, you said this country is going down in front of our eyes; the reality is that we have too many things that are wrong in our country that contribute, and labour laws are one of those,' said Mkhwanazi, who was speaking during premier Thami Ntuli's stakeholders' engagement on crime prevention in the province. He criticised the unions for why many South Africans are unemployed, saying the police, for example, were unable to hire more officers due to unions demanding salary increases for their members.
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Crime awareness day set for Greenwood Park
THE Greenwood Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) will host a Crime Awareness Day on Saturday, August 23, at Parkhill Secondary School, bringing together law enforcement, security companies, learners, and residents for a day of education, awareness, and community building. Also read: Bank warns of rise in AI-driven spoofing scams Chairperson of the Greenwood Park CPF Sub-Forum 2, Danusha Makan-Maharaj, said the event is aimed at strengthening ties between communities and crime-fighting stakeholders. 'The main purpose is to bring awareness to the communities we serve of the work of the CPF and all the roleplayers we work with. It is an opportunity for the community to come meet our local heroes from SAPS, Metro Police, and all the security companies, including their local CPF members,' she said. The programme will highlight critical issues such as gender-based violence and domestic violence, and how these often feed into crimes like hijackings and robberies. Learners from Parkhill Secondary will perform a dramatic sketch on domestic violence and a Sarafina dance piece, while drum majorettes and local security companies will add to the action with live demonstrations. Attendees can expect simulated hijacking scenarios, K9 demonstrations, an extrication drill by the eThekwini Fire Department, and displays by SAPS and Metro Police units. Security companies, including Fidelity ADT, Blue Security, Marshall Security, Excellerate, Swift, Nettow, and Shield Private Security, will showcase their vehicles, equipment, and community initiatives. Fidelity ADT's helicopter and firetruck are set to be crowd favourites. HelpMe SA will also promote their security app. Makan-Maharaj said the CPF hopes to use the event to recruit new members and expand its network of active volunteers. 'Sign up to be a part of the change. It requires just one hour a week of patrolling and being part of a team determined to make our streets safer, one street at a time,' she said She added that the CPF is particularly concerned about the recent rise in vehicle thefts and attempted hijackings in the area. 'If we adopt the ethos of 'each one helps one,' we can solve half the problems we face as communities. Looking out for your neighbour means securing your road, and street by street, we can drive out criminal elements. The message we want to send is: not on our watch.' Also at the event will be the original KITT from Knightrider and one lucky person will win a 'spin' in the talking car. There will also be a raffle for a helicopter ride to Virginia Airport from the venue, among other raffle prizes and giveaways. A live animal and reptile display, face painting, mendhi (henna) art and kiddies activities will keep the young ones entertained and, for hungry tummies, delicious food and beverages will be on sale. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Here's when the Madlanga commission investigating Mkhwanazi's claims will start
The public hearings will be held in Pretoria. Former Constitutional Court (ConCourt) judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga's judicial commission of inquiry into the police is set to begin its proceedings next month. The public hearings are scheduled to take place in Pretoria. The inquiry has been tasked to investigate allegations of criminality, corruption, and political interference within South Africa's criminal justice system. Its scope extends to major state institutions, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (Saps), and the State Security Agency (SSA). ALSO READ: Parties question ANC MP's election in Mkhwanazi ad hoc committee, logistics concerns raised The commission has the authority to summon individuals for testimony, among other functions, as outlined in the terms of reference published in the Government Gazette last month. A preliminary report is expected within three months, followed by a final report in six months, although the timeframe could be extended if necessary. President Cyril Ramaphosa previously stated that the inquiry should not take longer than a year. Madlanga commission's first sitting confirmed In a statement released on Wednesday, the commission confirmed that hearings will officially commence on 1 September. After considering several venues across Gauteng, the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in central Pretoria has been chosen as the venue for the hearings. 'The venue is available to the commission free of charge,' the statement reads. READ MORE: Ramaphosa says punitive action against Mchunu would set dangerous precedent According to the commission, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is handling logistical arrangements to ensure the hearings start on time. 'Likewise, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is attending to alterations that will make the venue fit for purpose. 'It is important for the public to note that the commission's offices are not yet available for submissions and further announcements will be made in this regard.' [DOWNLOAD]: Judicial Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the Criminal Justice System arising from the specific allegations made public by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025. 🔗 — The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 23, 2025 Ad hoc committee The commission was established after KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's explosive allegations. Among these were claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu – currently on special leave – intervened to disband the political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi further alleged Mchunu had connections to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a figure who previously held a now-cancelled R360 million police contract. A parliamentary ad hoc committee has also been set up to investigate Mkhwanazi's claims, operating separately from the judicial commission. This committee, which has until 31 October to complete its work, adopted draft terms of reference this week to guide MPs in carrying out the inquiry. Hearings are scheduled to start in Johannesburg and will continue in Cape Town following Parliament's recess. NOW READ: Here are some of the rules outlining Parliament's Mkhwanazi allegations probe
