Schools a haven for crime: 12 deaths, 40 stabbings in Gauteng schools

12 March 2023

The safety of learners and teachers in Gauteng schools is under siege as eight learners, and a principal were killed inside the school premises over the last five years.

There were 40 stabbings, 10 shootings and 16 violent crimes involving learners and teachers reported in Gauteng.

This is shocking and a clear indication that the lives of innocent people are in danger, yet not much is being done to tighten security measures at our schools.

This information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Education, MEC Matome Chiloane, in a written reply to the DA's questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).

There were 26 incidents as a result of gangsterism. In addition, 45 incidents occurred because of learner-on-learner violence, one due to teacher-to-teacher violence, six due to learner-on-teacher violence, and four incidents resulting from teacher-on-learner violence. Outsiders also killed eight learners and four teachers.

In total, there were 94 incidents of violent crimes in Gauteng schools in the last five years.

This indicates that our schools are unsafe, and there is an urgent need to review the current school's safety strategy as there has been no improvement.

In addition, to date, there is only one conviction known by the department regarding these cases. However, some cases were closed due to a lack of evidence, and some are still ongoing.

The conviction rate is low and concerning as it shows that the justice system is failing our teachers and learners. There is an urgent need for thorough investigations on these cases to ensure they make it to the court roll. The DA proposes that MEC Chiloane engage the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety and Security, Faith Mazibuko, to ensure that school safety is prioritised and these incidents are investigated to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

The DA demands that the department reviews the Gauteng schools' safety strategy and ensure that all stakeholders are involved in formulating new ways to curb violence in our schools. Education is a societal issue, and communities must be involved to ensure our schools are safe places for learners and teachers.

Issued by Khume Ramulifho, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, 12 March 2023