Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Department increased the number of officers at schools to boost scholar safety, prevent crime and ensure by-law enforcement in the areas around schools.
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The number of School Resource Officers (SRO) increased by 60 to 96 officers. According to the City, operational deployment will be at 45 schools of which 23 were identified by the Western Cape Provincial Government and 22 by the City of Cape Town.
In 2023, a total of 2 866 items (including dangerous weapons) were confiscated, compared to 826 in 2022, representing a 240% increase in the confiscation of dangerous weapons.
The following successes were recorded during 2023:
- Confiscation of eight imitation firearms
- Confiscation of 2 701 dagga units
- Executed 16 arrests
- Issued close to 400 traffic by-law fines
- A steep increase in fines issued was also recorded – 1 493 compared to 251 in 2022
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SROs also conducted patrols during weekends to curb illegal dumping and littering and also held joint enforcement operations alongside the South African Police Service during the school holidays.
‘The School Resource officers play an important role in creating a safer environment at schools as learners should be allowed to study and learn in a safe environment. There have been instances in the recent past where criminal elements wanted to enter a school,’ says Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayco member for community safety and security.
‘We will not allow criminals to endanger the lives of teachers and learners. Residents in the areas surrounding the schools can also play an active role in preventing break-ins and vandalism by working with our SROs.
‘Officers will keep on targeting those who choose to intimidate, bully or threaten learners and teachers. We should all work together to stop disruptive and dangerous criminal behaviour at our schools.’
Residents can report any suspicious behaviour or criminal activity to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 77 00 from a cell phone or 107 from a landline.
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Picture: JP Smith / Facebook
