The fourth quarter 2022/23 crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) revealed that little has been achieved in keeping learners safe from violent crime.
Between January and March this year, 8 murders, 14 attempted murders and 84 rapes occurred on the premises of educational facilities, including daycare centres and universities. There have been 238 incidents of assault and grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Given the high rate of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa (969 women and 245 children were murdered in the fourth quarter), education facilities should be safe havens for learners and staff, not crime scenes.
The DA will submit parliamentary questions to determine how many of these heinous incidents involved learners, teachers and staff, as well as the measures the Department of Basic Education have put in place to ensure the safety and security of all individuals on school premises.