Leaders mobilise after numerous shootings around schools

Shootings close to schools sparked a discussion among stakeholders of taking action against crime in and around Beacon Valley.

In January Firdous Kleinsmidt, 12, died after being hit by a stray bullet, (“Girl, 12, killed by stray bullet” Plainsman, January 31) and Tiyana van Rooyen, 13, survived being shot in the head during a gang-related shooting in Beacon Valley last year (“Tiyana, 13, survives bullet to the head,” Plainsman, August 20, 2023).

These were some of the many cases raised at the safety meeting, hosted by the Beacon Valley sub-forum in partnership with the Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum (CPF) on Saturday March 16 at Beacon Hill High School hall.

Teachers, leaders, pupils, SAPS, the Department of Correctional Services, the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) Safe Schools programme and the MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight, Reagen Allen, highlighted concerns and solutions around school and community safety.

Arthur Pillay, chairperson of the Beacon Valley sub-forum, said he had invited all schools in the Beacon Valley area with only Beacon Hill High School in attendance. Shootings close to schools in the community sparked the discussion.

“We cannot curb the crime, shooting and gangsterism in our areas but we can combat this within our schools and the surrounding areas by finding solutions,” Mr Pillay said.

Those at the meeting highlighted concerns around attendance of pupils, school drop-outs, bullying and violence, among others. “You cannot do anything by yourself but that’s why we’re here as a collective,” said Mr Pillay.

Mr Allen said burglaries and vandalism issues have dropped in schools.

“There’s been murders, attempted murders and firearms confiscated over the past few weeks in Mitchell’s Plain.

“A number of operations are already scheduled to ensure we curb gangsterism in Mitchell’s Plain. We are also working towards shutting all drug dens”, said Mr Allen.

“We want to see more communities do these meetings in schools. We want to find solutions that are specific to them. We want to take responsibility when there is a lack of police service,” he said.

“Too many people are being murdered in our province; the top category is still linked to gender-based violence. In this area 80% will be gang related after investigation,” he said.

Mr Allen said it’s challenging to curb the ills in the community, however, he said they’ve developed a risk-classification tool. “We are able to allocate a school resource officer and rotational vehicle that could be allocated; however, Beacon Hill must be reassessed,” said Mr Allen.

Mitchell’s Plain CPF member, Denzil Sampson, said Beacon Hill High School is at the heart of this community.

“We are very aware of facing gangsterism and crime in our schools. We want to improve society as a whole as we want parents, pupils and the community to work together to make this community safer,” he said.

Independent criminologist, Ben de Vos said there’s a crisis within Mitchell’s Plain with a scourge of gang violence in the community.

“The schools mirror what happens in the broader community. There’s a need for a wake-up call, especially to certain sectors of our community. There is a lack of collaboration among stakeholders,” said Mr De Vos.

Beacon Hill High School teacher, Dr Ronald Barends, said there’s a vortex of violence. “We need to change this narrative, we can no longer see our schools suffer because of crime and violence. There are so many resources needed, such as metal detectors and proper fencing, to name a few. Let us get our school out of the vortex.”

Beacon Hill High school-governing body chairperson, Joanne Minnie, said: “At times we need more hands on deck to help with the load and get more parents involved in schools. Another issue is that if it’s not my child I’m okay. We need to continue to take care of each other.”

Sonia Alexander of WCED’s Safe Schools programme said there has been progress at Beacon Hill over the two years. “We can only improve from here on out. The code of conduct of a school must be clearly communicated. Pupils are the most important stakeholder in combating issues affecting them.”

Mitchell’s Plain SAPS’ Captain Mornay Kleinhans said he has been working with schools for 20 years.

“Time changes everything and crime is real. Freedom in schools must be controlled and transparency must take place. Whatever comes from this forum will be drafted into seeing how we can assist the community and its surroundings,” he said.

For more information about WCED’s Safe Schools programme, call 0800 45 46 47 or call SAPS on 10111 or on their Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.