Crime at schools 'worries' DA
21/03/2006 12:28  - (SA)  

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Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance on Tuesday expressed its concern about crime and vandalism at Gauteng schools.

The party's spokesperson on education in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Dennis Quail, said only the statistics for 2003 were available at the moment.

"In reply to a parliamentary question MEC Angie Motshekga, provided information for crime in schools in 2003 but said that the 2004 and 2005 statistics were still being captured," he said.

In 2003, 5003 incidents of vandalism were reported at schools, while 3660 incidents of assault were reported.

The other crimes of which statistics were given were serious crimes, 753, burglaries, 2572, and sexual harassment, 296.

In March last year more than 1 500 computers had been stolen from Gauteng schools.

"The statistics confirm views of principals and teachers that discipline, safety and security are huge problems," he said.

"Vandalism and theft cost the schools, the department and the taxpayer millions of rands a year."

He said the education department, schools, parents, churches and the community would have to tackle the problems in schools in networks aimed at reducing criminality. They should focus on rebuilding morality and ethics, especially amongst the youth.

- SAPA

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