The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is urging vigilance among learners and parents in Newlands after a series of robberies targeting children on their way to school.
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The Safe Schools Call Centre reported incidents involving learners from Claremont High School and Sans Souci Girls’ High School.
On 15 May, Sans Souci alerted learners and parents after a student was robbed outside the school gates at 7:46am. According to a letter, ‘Despite all our efforts and having two men on duty in the drop-off zone an incident occurred this morning where a (learner) was robbed outside the gate at 7:46am.’
The school has reorganised security measures, added a security camera and emphasised that Newlands has become a crime hotspot, with similar incidents at four other local schools.
‘Additionally, four other schools in the area have experienced similar incidents. The police have been notified and will be conducting increased patrols in the area,’ the letter continued.
Lt Col Marnus Fourie from Claremont Police confirmed the incident but noted ‘that a case has not yet been opened.’ He mentioned that patrol times have been adjusted due to the darker early mornings in winter.
‘With the start of winter, the early mornings get darker. We have already adjusted our patrol times since similar incidents occurred at Claremont High School as well as Groote Schuur High School.’
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton highlighted that these incidents happened off school premises and stressed the importance of vigilance.
‘The WCED rely heavily on its partners like Saps and CoCT Law Enforcement to assist with visible policing and regular patrols in and around these schools.’
‘Learners are reminded to remain vigilant at all times when walking to and from school. All devices should be kept out of sight. This is an appeal not just to learners in this particular area, but all learners across the Metro. There are opportunists everywhere and we should all, including parents, be vigilant,’ Merton added.
Sans Souci issued safety protocols: students should go directly into the building upon arrival, not leave school premises, keep bags attended and report suspicious individuals near the school.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images