The DA in Gauteng has encouraged visible policing in schools to protect learners from gang violence.
In a statement on Monday, Crezane Bosch, a DA member of the Gauteng provincial legislature, said the opposition party has sent requests to MEC for community safety Faith Mazibuko and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela.
These requests seek increased law-enforcement presence in areas that are particularly susceptible to crime including Westbury, Riverlea, Eldorado Park and Langlaagte.
According to Bosch, the DA is recommending the formation of an inquiry committee to tackle the issue.
The party argues that despite previous discussions with both the committee and local police stations, no progress has been made.
She said the party plans to contact the chairperson of the community safety portfolio committee and the speaker of the legislature to seek a timeline for the proposed inquiry.
Bosch has verified that Westbury Senior Secondary and Coronationville High School are the most severely affected by gangsterism.
“Learners and parents in areas riddled by gang violence live in fear daily,” she said.
“In the latest incident at Westbury Senior Secondary, a fight broke out between two rival gangs on the school premises.
“One group of learners allegedly part of the so-called Fast Gun Gang was suspended and entered the school premises without permission last week.
“This resulted in a fight between two alleged gangs. Parents armed with firearms protested outside the gate and threatened to deal with the matter after school as gates were locked.”
Bosch argued that the potential for students to arrive late to school due to safety concerns could result in them having insufficient time to complete their exams.
“Furthermore, the safety of learners residing in these areas is under threat because of the ongoing gang violence,” Bosch said.
This is worrying, as exams are currently being written. If a learner cannot get to school on time, they miss out on adequate time to write exams.
“It is important that our learners feel safe when going to and from school and that they can learn in a conducive environment.
“Visible policing will assist in ensuring the safety of learners and the community.”
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