MEC Chiloane presses for faster police response to crime in schools

Gauteng Education MEC Motome Chiloane has called for faster police responses to incidents at schools. Speaking at a school safety Imbizo in Eersterust, east of Pretoria, Chiloane stressed the importance of police visibility to combat bullying, gangsterism, and drug peddling in schools.

He said, “I will engage the police ministry on police visibility at schools to curb bullying, gangsterism, and drug peddling.” 

Out of 240 schools in Gauteng, 75 have been identified as high-risk for violence, many of them located in areas affected by gangsterism and drug trafficking.

Chiloane explained that children often join gangs for protection from bullying, saying, “When children are bullied, they join those gangs for protection. However, they enter a life of crime where they are encouraged to steal books, then ultimately they start vandalising schools.” 

Law enforcement agencies, school governing bodies, community leaders, and parents gathered to discuss sustainable solutions to safety challenges in schools. Some stakeholders suggested the introduction of crime prevention wardens, which was met with optimism.

The SGB Chair of Eersterust Secondary School, Millicent Maluleke, shared her concerns, stating, “Yes, we had stabbing cases in the past three years before the MEC’s intervention. All that is needed is the community, as it takes a nation to raise a child. If the school and the MEC’s department join forces and implement safety measures.” 

Chiloane also voiced frustration with police delays, saying, “When I say they are failing us, I’m not saying they must be security, but when we call you… When the school calls you, don’t take two hours to arrive. By the time you arrive, the children are in trauma.” 

He emphasised that parental involvement is crucial to reducing gangsterism and violence in schools, stating that, “Parents’ involvement in their children’s lives would assist in lessening the scourge of gangsterism and violence in schools.” 

[WATCH] MEC @matomekopano outlines the purpose of the #SchoolSafety Imbizos, emphasising that these engagements are being held regionally across Gauteng to address school safety concerns directly with communities.

📍Prosperitus Secondary School, Eersterust… pic.twitter.com/2aaUzCgAAJ

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) February 15, 2025