Cape Town – The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched a nationwide crackdown on school violence, beginning with a safety raid in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, as schools reopen for the third term today.
This forms part of a newly signed Safe Schools Protocol – a Collaborative Implementation Protocol on School Safety – officially entered into by the DBE and SAPS on 21 June 2025 in Cape Town.
“This initiative aims to enhance safety in schools, addressing issues like gender-based violence and substance abuse, tackling gangsterism, and implementing joint crime prevention programs in schools throughout South Africa,” the department said in a statement.
#SchoolSafety | The Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) entered into a Collaborative Implementation Protocol on School Safety, known as the “Safe Schools Protocol,” on 21 June 2025, in Cape Town. This initiative aims to enhance safety… pic.twitter.com/ytZjXZU3eA
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) July 22, 2025
The protocol comes amid growing concern over school-based violence, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
During the signing ceremony, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube revealed that 46% of reported school violence incidents in the province involve learner-on-learner conflict.
“Inanda has been identified as one of the priority areas for implementing the DBE/SAPS protocol in 2025, with the goal of significantly reducing violent crimes in this high-risk region,” the department said.
#sapsKZN [SAFER SCHOOLS] #SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal, in conjunction with officials from the Department of Basic Education have made unannounced visits at the Ikusasalethu Secondary School, Newtown Combined School and Inanda Comprehensive School in Inanda on Tuesday morning.
During… pic.twitter.com/zxnONqfFUc
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 22, 2025
Police officers, in collaboration with education officials, began conducting searches at schools in the region on Tuesday morning, aiming to confiscate dangerous items and deter criminal behaviour.
Similar raids and safety initiatives will be rolled out in other high-risk areas across the country.
Authorities say the partnership marks a significant step toward restoring order and security in the education sector.
The DBE has urged communities, parents, and learners to support the initiative and help create safe, nurturing learning environments.
#sapsKZN [SAFER SCHOOLS] The school visit in Inanda is part of the #SaferSchools Protocol, which is a joint initiative by the Department of Basic Education and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to create safer learning environments in schools. The Protocol is aimed at… https://t.co/JCXBonO4wC pic.twitter.com/j9f4Pv4uSp
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 22, 2025
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