A joint unannounced search by the North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi, Community Policing Forum and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the Adopt-a-Cop flagship program uncovered knives, space muffins, marijuana, cigarettes, and an old police belt, at the Meriti Secondary School in Meriting outside Rustenburg.
The department said the search and seizure initiative is part of ongoing efforts to curb crime and prevent gang-related activities from infiltrating school grounds. The school was recently in the news following a rise in violent
incidents, after two learners were admitted at the Intensive Care Unit after they were stabbed by former learners. Motsumi expressed concerns about the illicit items on school grounds.
“We found learners with dangerous weapons. We then instructed that the learner’s parents be called, and the
SGB to institute disciplinary actions against the learners. We’ve also taken a decision to seek psycho-social help for the learners who were stabbed or involved in the recent brawl,” said Motsumi.
According to the department, these incidents have highlighted the urgent need for continued efforts to combat crime and gang-related activity within schools. The department has identified that grades 10 to 12 as areas of
concern, and in response, it is providing psycho-social support and motivational talks to assist the learners.
Motsumi called on parents to ensure the safety of the learners and create a conducive learning environment.
“It is crucial for parents to play an active role in their children’s education and well-being. We also need to acknowledge the deep impact that psycho-social support has on our learners’ success, especially as they prepare for their final exams. Together with the community, we can address the root causes of gang-related issues, which in some cases, may be fuelled by underlying tribal tensions,” added Motsumi.
The MEC’s visit was also to assess the school’s readiness for the upcoming matric exams.
