THE Western Cape department of education is to tighten up security at schools following gang fights at some schools in Khayelitsha last week.

"We have increased our anti-gang interventions at schools where there has been an increase in gang-related activities, including programmes that focus on conflict management and substance abuse," Bronagh Casey, spokesperson for education MEC Donald Grant, said.

"We are aware of gang activities in some of the schools in the area. We are monitoring the situation closely in conjunction with the police," Casey said.

The move to beef up security follows fighting between gangs in Khayelitsha that have so far claimed the lives of three pupils. The situation has apparently led to some pupils dropping out of school because they fear for their lives.

Mvuyisi Mbotshelwa, principal of Esangweni Secondary School in Khayelitsha, said nine pupils have dropped out of the school this year.

Affected areas in Khayelitsha include Kuyasa, Makhaza, Mandela Park, Nkanini and Harare.

Casey said the department would increase programmes that enabled educators to manage conflict in their schools.

She said they had asked schools to identify pupils involved in gang activities with the aim of placing them in behavioral and conflict resolution programmes. Special measures included programmes to modify pupil behaviour and activities that provided alternatives to gangsterism.

"Ultimately it is also the responsibility of the police and communities to ensure the safety of our pupils by preventing gangsterism in affected areas," Casey added.

The police confirmed that they had arrested some suspects in connection with gang activities.

"We have arrested 17 youths who are underage after they stabbed a 30-year-old man. They have appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court and face a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm," police spokesperson November Filander said.