She made these remarks during the signing of the Safe Schools Protocol alongside the Ministry of Police in Cape Town, a joint effort aimed at improving security, especially in schools located in high-crime areas.

Gwarube expressed deep concern over violent crimes, including murder and rape, which continue to plague educational institutions. “These issues pose a serious threat to our learners and their ability to learn in peace,” she said.

Data from the 2023/24 financial year paints a troubling picture; 28 murders were recorded in schools across the country, with KwaZulu-Natal province bearing the brunt. Almost half of these killings involved learner-on-learner violence. Similarly, two-thirds of reported rapes in schools involved students as perpetrators. Burglaries were also widespread, with over 11 000 incidents reported, involving theft of vital teaching materials and even food supplies from school nutrition programmes.

The Safe Schools Protocol seeks to address these challenges by strengthening cooperation between the education department and police, ensuring safer environments where learners can focus on their education without fear.

--ChannelAfrica--