The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga ask both the provincial Department of Education and the Department of Safety, Security & Liaison to intervene as gang wars forced a local school to shut down.
It was reported that Bantfwabethu Secondary School in Elukwatini near Badplaas had to shut down after a gang calling themselves Wrong Turn, stormed premises of the school on Wednesday last week looking for members of a rival gang.
Teachers and the principal were threatened with violence. After the incident, management of the school met. A decision to close the school was then made after teachers and learners said they fear for their safety.
The aim was to re-open the school on Tuesday (today), but it could not as educators and other learners still felt unsafe. It was also reported that a meeting had been planned with parents, the Departments of Education and Safety, Security & Liaison to try find a workable solution.
The DA asks the provincial government to immediately send in the South African Police Services (SAPS) if need be, to help overwhelmed teachers and learners. We call for a greater police presence around the school premises and surrounding areas.
The DA would also like to call upon both the provincial Department of Education and Safety, Security & Liaison to consider access control in schools, search and seizure, as well as patrols.
Teachers and learners deserve to work and learn in a safe and healthy environment as required by the Constitution of the Republic. It is the duty of government to provide such an environment.