Western Cape to Deploy Law Enforcement to Protect Schools

Following a meeting that took place on Sunday between Premier Winde, Minister Fritz and the Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) Cluster, there will be an increase in law enforcement officials deployed at schools which are reopening today. The purpose of the additional deployments is to safeguard learners returning to school over the next two weeks.

During this meeting, requests were made to: 

• Deploy School Resource Officers (SRO) at schools as per the SRO Deployment plan;
• For SROs to physically visit all schools in gang-afflicted areas. SROs are to visit the Principal of each school in person; and
• Provide reports to the Transport Management Centre (TMC) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) regarding visits and deployments.

Minister Fritz said, “Additional law enforcement has been deployed to schools in communities ravaged by gangsterism, illegal possession of firearms, and high volumes of drug related cases which includes dealing. I am very glad that the Western Cape Government was able to meet with CPF prior to the reopening of schools to safeguard the young people of this province. Amongst the numerous communities that will benefit from increased deployments are Philippi, Kraaifontein, Nyanga, Manenberg and Lentegeur.”

Minister Fritz added, “I further call on Neighbourhood Watches to contribute to this initiative by patrolling schools within their communities during school hours. We must ensure the safety of our schools and the learners who attend them.”

Under the leadership of Minister Fritz, the Department of Community Safety will continue to provide the necessary oversight to safeguard the most vulnerable communities and learners in the province.

Attention broadcasters, please find English audio clip attached.