A SAPS-led school safety search and seizure operation has continued at Fr. Smangaliso Mkhatshwa Secondary School in Winterveld, Tshwane, as authorities intensify efforts to tackle crime and improve safety in Gauteng schools.
The school is the fifth and final school being searched as part of Wednesday’s operation, which is being led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile is taking part in the operation alongside SAPS, Gauteng Provincial Traffic Police, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Brinant Group, CAP Security and other law-enforcement partners.
The operation forms part of ongoing interventions aimed at addressing violence, gangsterism, substance abuse and the possession of dangerous or prohibited items at schools. Similar search-and-seizure operations have recently been conducted at identified schools across the province.
The Gauteng Education Department has previously said that regular school searches form part of its health and safety strategy, with MEC Maile stressing the need for stronger cooperation between schools, parents, communities and law-enforcement agencies.
The latest operation in Winterveld is expected to further reinforce the message that schools must remain safe environments where learners can focus on their education without fear of violence, drugs or criminal activity.
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