Schools under scrutiny as crime stats reveal rape cases

Some schools across the country continue to be breeding ground for rapists. Police crime statistics for the period October to December last year reveal that of the more than 11 000 reported rape cases, 74 happened at schools.

This has brought to the fore questions regarding the safety of learners in schools. And how schools aim to protect children.

Non-governmental organisation, Women and Men Against Child Abuse, says schools cannot negate their responsibility of applying basic steps to ensure every pupil is shielded from violation.

“So, the first basic principle is to vet anybody who is on your premises. That is a criminal check, sex offenders check against the child protection register, as well as some kind of professional registration. Either as a teacher or a coach or whatever, allowing you to be on the premises,” the organisation’s Luke Lamprecht says.

VIDEO | Measures to ensure learner safety in schools