The IFP in KZN Legislature is deeply concerned that schools are fast becoming a playground for criminals and criminal activities in Pietermaritzburg and surrounds.
A horrifying shooting incident inside school premises at Alaston Primary School on Wednesday, 28 September, was met with shock and disbelief by IFP leadership.
According to reports from witnesses, it was complete pandemonium, with learners crying hysterically while running for their lives, as gunshots were fired in the school. Media reports state that an intruder allegedly stabbed the security guard, seized his gun and started firing. This all happened while the school day was underway.
Another disturbing incident occurred recently at Northbury Secondary School, when a learner petrol-bombed a teacher’s vehicle after being reprimanded for using a cellphone during teaching hours.
The principal of Msunduzi Secondary School was also shot multiple times, and died on school premises. It has become clear that the police capacity is insufficient to ensure visibility in most areas.
The IFP in KZN Legislature therefore calls for the activation of neighbourhood watch forums – with the assistance of police – to provide additional security to local schools. KwaZulu-Natal communities can no longer afford to sit with arms folded while schools become warzones and crime scenes.
We call upon retired police officers, teachers, and academics to organise and capacitate neighbourhood watch forums to oversee security services and provide regular monitoring of schools.
It is our shared responsibility to protect our children’s futures, and those of generations to come.
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Contact
Hon. Thembeni Kamadhlopha-mthethwa
IFP Spokesperson for Education in KZN Legislature
079 114 3015
