Concern at 'old' security guards

PRINCIPALS, teachers and parents in Port Elizabeth's gang-ridden Helenvale are angry with the Education Department for appointing "useless" and "old" security guards to protect pupils.

In April, three of the four schools in Helenvale locked their gates, demanding urgent security measures after a spate of gang violence spilt into the institutions and endangered the lives of children.

After meetings with various principals and school governing bodies (SGBs), the Education Department, with the help of the Safety and Liaison Department, launched a Safe Schools Project.

It promised that each school in the area would be properly fenced and provided with CCTV and on-site security guards.

Helenvale Primary principal Malcolm Roberts said security guards arrived at the schools on Monday – but, he said, without weapons or experience. - Alvené du Plessis