One of the most recent cases of gang violence resulted in two grade 1 girls being caught in the crossfire at Riebeeck Primary School in the Western Cape. A dispute between rival gangs spilled onto school property when a shooter chased a man onto school grounds and began shooting.
A young girl, who was near the principals office at the time of incident, was injured after a bullet grazed the side of her head. A second 6 year-old girl was injured by a stray bullet in her shoulder. Teachers only noticed the girl had been shot when she took off her school bag.
In a separate incident that occurred on 13 April 2023 at a school in Phillipi, three gunmen entered the premises pointing guns at learners. When speaking to Newzroom Afrika, a father reveals that his 8-year-old daughter is traumatised after witnessing the crime and that he as a parent is powerless.
I am pained because I am now directly affected by these incidents and I have no control over the situation because they occurred in an environment I have no control over.
Gang Violence At Schools
Shocking statistics revealed that in 2022, more than 400 incidents of gang violence took place throughout the school year. Many of these cases occurred between learners from rival areas, where the violence spills over into the school environment.
Another concern is that teachers are increasingly becoming victims of theft. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has acknowledged 20 reported cases of robbery at schools around the province. Educators have had cellphones, bags, clothing and even food stolen from them during violent robberies.
Gang violence in some areas is so extreme, that teachers end up leaving the profession and using their skills elsewhere.
Political parties and various stakeholders have urged government to step in and implement preventative measures and safety programmes, such as installing alarm systems and forming strategic relationships with communities to ensure the safety of learners and teachers.
What Is Government Doing To Solve This Issue?
The WCED has invested R76.1 million into improving the safety and security of schools throughout the province. They will use these funds to install secure fencing, increase the number of School Resources’ Officers and invest in access control, holiday security, emergency security, youth development and crime prevention activities in Western Cape Schools.
Parents feel helpless as they are unable to protect their children while they attend school, and teachers feel unsafe and traumatised following the increase in violent crimes and are desperate for the Government to step in and take action.
Schools should be secure environments where children can feel safe and come to learn, but increasing cases of violence have left community members rattled and children traumatised. Parents are having to choose between their child's education or their safety.
An arrest has been made in connection with the Riebeeck Primary School shooting and counselling is being provided to those affected.
