Over 109 illegal or dangerous items confiscated from three Johannesburg schools

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Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile oversaw an unannounced search operation by the South African Police Service at East Bank, Realogile, and Alexandra high schools in Johannesburg, resulting in the confiscation of over 109 prohibited items including knives, bullets, dagga, and various tools. Maile mandated that students found in possession of these items face criminal charges and required principals to submit reports identifying the students involved. The intervention followed concerns regarding school safety, student discipline, and leadership, as well as a decline in academic performance at East Bank High School from an 83% pass rate to approximately 60% in mid-year assessments.

Consequences

The Department of Education is expected to pursue criminal cases and disciplinary proceedings against the identified students while engaging with parents and school governing bodies to improve campus discipline. The government plans to continue conducting unannounced search operations in schools to mitigate issues related to violence, substance abuse, and gangsterism.

Sources

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