Western Cape education MEC Debbie Schfer has lashed out at the province’s top cop for not being available to discuss the surge in gang violence at schools.
On Friday a 15-year-old boy from Modderdam Secondary School in Bishop Lavis was stabbed in the chest by an alleged gangster.
His family told The Times they fear for their safety and have not reported the incident to police.
Schfer is concerned about increasing gang violence at schools in areas such as Bonteheuwel‚ Modderdam and Manenberg.
“I was so angered by the events of Friday that I requested an urgent meeting with Western Cape Police Commissioner‚ Lieutenant General [Khombinkosi ] Jula‚ to discuss how they plan to comply with their constitutional duty to keep our learners safe‚ especially in the light of his stated commitment to address the gang problem in the Western Cape‚’’ said Schfer in a statement.
“I made myself available over the weekend and evenings. However‚ to date his office has advised us that they cannot secure a date for this meeting.’’
She established that two meetings had been held last term between Bishop Lavis police and her department’s Safe Schools initiative. They had agreed to increase police presence at Modderdam Secondary School.
“This incident happened during the first week. I have been advised that there was absolutely no increase in police visibility‚’’ said Schfer.
On Tuesday afternoon Lieutenant General Jula and his management team will address media on gang interventions in the province.
MEC concerned over surge in gang violence at Western Cape schools
Western Cape education MEC Debbie Schfer has lashed out at the province’s top cop for not being available to discuss the surge in gang violence at schools.
On Friday a 15-year-old boy from Modderdam Secondary School in Bishop Lavis was stabbed in the chest by an alleged gangster.
His family told The Times they fear for their safety and have not reported the incident to police.
Schfer is concerned about increasing gang violence at schools in areas such as Bonteheuwel‚ Modderdam and Manenberg.
“I was so angered by the events of Friday that I requested an urgent meeting with Western Cape Police Commissioner‚ Lieutenant General [Khombinkosi ] Jula‚ to discuss how they plan to comply with their constitutional duty to keep our learners safe‚ especially in the light of his stated commitment to address the gang problem in the Western Cape‚’’ said Schfer in a statement.
“I made myself available over the weekend and evenings. However‚ to date his office has advised us that they cannot secure a date for this meeting.’’
She established that two meetings had been held last term between Bishop Lavis police and her department’s Safe Schools initiative. They had agreed to increase police presence at Modderdam Secondary School.
“This incident happened during the first week. I have been advised that there was absolutely no increase in police visibility‚’’ said Schfer.
On Tuesday afternoon Lieutenant General Jula and his management team will address media on gang interventions in the province.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos