More law enforcement officers deployed to Cape Town Schools
City of Cape Town says its School Resource Officers will form a key component to target those who intimidate, bully or threaten learners and teachers in the Western Cape.
The City of Cape Town has increased the number of School Resource Officers from 60 to 96 officers. The officer’s mandate is to ensure learner and staff safety in schools and areas within the school’s vicinity.
The officer assists by conducting patrols, conducting impromptu searches and in extreme cases- arrests.
LEARNER SAFETY
ALSO READ: DA aims to report the ANC to IEC and police
ALSO READ: Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink is not leaving office
They have been deployed to 45 schools across the Cape Metro which have been identified by the municipality as well as the Western Cape government.
Last year, the officers achieved the following:
- Confiscated 2 866 items including dangerous weapons
- Confiscation of eight imitation firearms
- Confiscation of 2 701 dagga units
- Executed 16 arrests
According to the City, the officers also conducted patrols during weekends to curb illegal dumping and littering.
BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
ALSO READ: DA slams Ramaphosa for deploying ‘unfit’ SANDF
The City of Cape Town has commended some of it officers for going beyond the call of duty. Last year officers in Hanover Park encouraged learners in the high-risk gang area, to return to school.
“‘The School Resource officers play an important role in creating a safer environment at schools as learners should be allowed to study and learn in a safe environment. There have been instances in the recent past where criminal elements wanted to enter a school.”
“We will not allow criminals to endanger the lives of teachers and learners.”