By: Zilungile Mkhize
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the newly launched Safe Schools Protocol will require police station commanders to engage directly with schools in their precincts, sharing intelligence and responding proactively to potential threats to learners and staff.
Minister Mchunu, alongside Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, signed the joint protocol during an event held in Cape Town on Tuesday. The initiative aims to enhance school safety by fostering stronger collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. This protocol formalises the responsibility of every police station commander to work hand-in-hand with schools to prevent violence, gangsterism, and drug-related crimes,” said Mchunu.
According to SAPS crime statistics for the 2023/24 financial year, 28 murders were reported on school grounds across the country. Disturbingly, nearly half of these cases involved learner-on-learner violence.
Minister Gwarube emphasised the need to restore schools as safe spaces for learning and development.
“Our learners and educators must not live in fear. This partnership with SAPS is a critical step toward building a culture of safety, accountability and early intervention,” she said.
The Safe Schools Protocol outlines procedures for reporting threats, conducting school safety audits, and providing trauma counselling in the aftermath of violent incidents. It also encourages community policing forums and school governing bodies to play a more active role in monitoring safety conditions.
The protocol comes amid growing concerns over rising incidents of violence in South African schools, including stabbings, bullying, and incidents linked to gang activity, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Western Cape, Gauteng, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Departments of Police and Basic Education have committed to reviewing the protocol annually and implementing safety training programmes for educators and school support staff.
