Gangsterism, shooting, bullying, suicide and, lately, arson are among the problems occurring in Gauteng schools.
This has left parents fearing for their children’s safety.
Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed concern after a fire at Lancea Vale Secondary School in Eldorado Park on Tuesday.
The fire damaged three classrooms in the grades 8 and 9 block.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire initially started in Room 81 on the first floor of Block C.
The department said the fire spread rapidly, gutting three classrooms. Whether the structure of building was sound was a concern.
City of Joburg EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo confirmed attending to the incident at around 2pm.
The department said firefighters would provide a report on the extent of the damage, after which, a decision would be taken on whether it wound be safe to continue with teaching and learning in the affected block.
Gauteng SAPS provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that two Grade 8 learners, aged 14, were arrested and face charges of arson.
“Police were conducting routine patrols when they noticed flames coming from one of the schools in Eldorado Park. They proceeded to the school where they were informed by the educators that fire was started by some of the learners from the school. Police started with the preliminary investigation which led to the arrest of two learners who are suspected to have started the fire,” said Masondo..
Both learners are expected to appear in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court soon.
“It is indeed concerning that last Wednesday, there was a stabbing incident of a learner by another learner at the same school. We will not tolerate violence or gangsterism perpetuated in and around our schools. In the same breath, we are closely monitoring the situation and we are certain that learning and teaching will resume accordingly at the school,” said Chiloane.
After the fire at Lancea High School, education activist Hendrick Makaneta called on the Department of Basic Education and relevant authorities to install CCTV cameras in schools in Eldorado Park immediately.
He said the measure was crucial to deter potential perpetrators and enhance security and surveillance.
Makaneta said the act of vandalism destroyed physical infrastructure and undermined the foundation of the education system.
He said that at a time when learning and academic excellence should be prioritised, such destructive behaviour set the system back and deprived future generations of the right to quality education.
Makaneta said schools were sacred spaces for growth, development and empowerment. Their destruction was a loss for the entire community.
“The state has a duty to ensure a safe learning environment for learners and educators The installation of CCTV cameras is a necessary step in protecting our schools and communities. We cannot afford to wait until another incident occurs,” Makaneta added.
“We demand swift action from the authorities to Identify schools in high-risk areas. The government should immediately install CCTV cameras in these schools to ensure proper monitoring and maintenance.”
Makaneta said the safety of learners and educators was paramount.
“We will continue to advocate for measures that ensure their security and well-being.”
Last Wednesday, two pupils were injured during a shooting at Willow Crescent Secondary School in Eldorado Park.
Recently, another shooting took place outside the Kliptown Secondary School in Eldorado Park, Soweto. Shots were fired when two armed youth entered the premises.
Schools in Eldorado Park are not the only ones plagued by violence. In February this year, a learner, 13, was arrested after he allegedly shot his principal at a school in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. It was reported that more educators were allegedly on the learner’s hit list. The principal has recovered and returned back to the school.
Police have confirmed that they were investigating various cases of school violence.
On Saturday, police in Eldorado Park arrested five suspects, aged 17 and 18, for armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen goods.
“The suspects robbed an e-hailing driver of his cellphone, cash and bank cards at gunpoint. The swift response by the police led to the arrest of the suspects at a l tavern, where they were found using the victim’s bank card to purchase liquor,” said the Gauteng SAPS.
Another victim took to social media platform X, saying he was robbed.
“I got robbed as well in Eldorado Park by five young men. Could be them. It’s terrible,” said Roman King.
The Star