Schools in Newlands issue warning following spate of robberies targeting learners

• “Be vigilant!” is the overall message to learners and parents of local schools in Newlands following a string of robberies targeting vulnerable children on their way to a day of learning.
• The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) responded to a spike in robberies at schools.
• A learner was robbed outside the San Souci school gates at 07:46 last week. 

“Be vigilant!” is the overall message to learners and parents of local schools in Newlands following a string of robberies targeting vulnerable children on their way to a day of learning.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) responded to a spike in robberies at schools and said their Safe Schools Call Centre is aware of one incident involving a learner at Claremont High School, and another involving a learner at Sans Souci Girls’ High School.

On Wednesday 15 May, Sans Souci issued an alert to learners and parents in response to a robbery earlier in the day.

According to a letter, a learner was robbed outside the school gates at 07:46.

“Despite all our efforts and having two men on duty in the drop-off zone an incident occurred this morning where a (learner) was robbed outside the gate at 07:46,” the letter read. The school explained that they recently reorganised security measures to guard the school’s drop-off zone and the back gate closer to the fuel station during the early mornings. The school also installed an additional security camera.

The letter also warned that Newlands has recently become a crime hotspot, with the school having been targeted twice in the past two weeks. “Additionally, four other schools in the area have experienced similar incidents. The police have been notified and will be conducting increased patrols in the area,” the letter continued.

Lt Col Marnus Fourie, Claremont Police Station Vispol Commander, confirmed the incident, adding “that a case has not yet been opened”.

However, the spokesperson for the WCED Millicent Merton noted these incidents occurred off school premises. “The WCED rely heavily on its partners like Saps and CoCT Law Enforcement to assist with visible policing and regular patrols in and around these schools.”

“Learners are reminded to remain vigilant at all times when walking to and from school. All devices should be kept out of sight. This is an appeal not just to learners in this particular area, but all learners across the Metro. There are opportunists everywhere and we should all, including parents, be vigilant,” Merton added.