RISE Mzansi warns that schools are becoming crime hotspots

Political party RISE Mzansi has issued a strong warning that South African schools and educational institutions are increasingly becoming crime scenes, rather than places of learning and safety.

The statement follows the tragic case of a seven-year-old girl in the Eastern Cape, who was raped on school premises in Matatiele in 2024. This disturbing incident has reignited concerns about the safety of children within educational facilities, which should be protected environments but are instead becoming hotspots for violent crime.

Alarming Increase in Crime at Schools

According to RISE Mzansi, violent crimes within schools have been rising year after year. The trend suggests that learners, especially girls and young women, face constant threats while attending school. Instead of being places of learning and personal development, many schools are turning into crime zones where students are vulnerable to violence, abuse, and even sexual assault.

RISE Mzansi spokesperson Mabine Seabe said that the party was deeply concerned by the lack of adequate intervention by the government.

“We are witnessing an increase in violent crimes within our educational institutions. This cannot be allowed to continue. Schools should be safe havens, not crime scenes,” said Seabe.

Government’s Response Under Scrutiny

To address the crisis, RISE Mzansi has announced that it will be pressuring government officials to take concrete action against the rising crime rates in schools.

Seabe confirmed that the party would be submitting official queries to the relevant ministers, including those responsible for:

• Basic Education

• Higher Education and Training

• Justice and Constitutional Development

• Police Services

“RISE Mzansi will be submitting a series of questions to the ministers of basic education, higher education and training, justice and constitutional development, and police. We want to understand what active steps are being taken to ensure South African learners and students, particularly girls and women, are kept safe at educational institutions,” Seabe stated.

This move aims to hold the government accountable and demand answers regarding the measures being implemented to ensure that students and teachers are protected from crime within school premises.

The Urgency of the Situation

The brutal attack on the seven-year-old in Matatiele is just one of many reported cases where schoolchildren have been victims of serious crimes. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in cases of:

• Physical violence

• Sexual abuse

• Bullying-related suicides

• Drug-related crimes within school environments

Parents and communities are now raising concerns over the government’s ability to guarantee safety within learning institutions. Many argue that schools need stronger security measures, such as:

• Increased police presence around schools

• Better background checks on school staff

• Security cameras and controlled access to premises

• Training programs to help students identify and report threats

Call for Immediate Action

RISE Mzansi’s intervention comes at a critical time, as more learners and students across the country face dangers that threaten their education and well-being. While education should be the foundation of a better future, the reality is that crime and violence are robbing many children of that future.

Seabe emphasized that urgent intervention was needed to restore safety and dignity to South African schools.

“If the government does not act now, we will continue seeing tragic incidents like the one in Matatiele. We cannot allow this to be the reality for our children.”

What Happens Next?

With RISE Mzansi demanding answers from ministers, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this crisis. The party’s push for accountability could lead to:

• Policy changes regarding school safety

• Increased funding for crime prevention measures in schools

• Stricter penalties for crimes committed in educational institutions

As pressure mounts on the government, South Africans are watching closely to see if officials will take real action—or if schools will continue to be unsafe for millions of students across the country.