Schools to be patrolled

THE office of the Western Cape education MEC says the department will beef up security and conduct school patrols at some of Cape Town's schools affected by gang violence.

This followed the fatal shooting of Glenrico Martin, a matric pupil at Spes Bona High School in Athlone on Wednesday. He was shot by three gunmen who were allegedly dressed in school uniform. Martin, 17, died the same day at the Groote Schuur Hospital.

Education MEC Donald Grant's spokeswoman Bronagh Casey said many parents had raised the issue of security following the death of Martin.

"Minister Grant, community safety MEC Dan Plato and officials from the department met after the incident," Casey said. "They discussed the security plans and other related things for schools in gang-infested areas. The department is to beef up security and conduct school patrols."

They also discussed increased police visibility when pupils travel to and from schools.

Casey also said there would be regular meetings with parents and pupils to try to address their concerns.

She said, however, that there was only one shooting inside school premises last year.

"Out of 12 pupils who had been shot outside the school premises last year, three of them had died while the rest were seriously injured. Four learners have been shot, including Martins, since the start of this year - three off school premises and one inside."

Police spokesman Superintendent Andre Traut said two suspects had been arrested in connection with Martin's shooting.