Two teenagers have been arrested in Atlantis after being found in possession of a firearm on school grounds.

Police confirmed that officers searched a school on Hermes Avenue on Friday after receiving a tip-off about the firearm.

The 16- and 18-year-olds were arrested, and police later found that the firearm belonged to a deceased person.

“SAPS appeals to members of the public to surrender firearms belonging to deceased persons. These unsecured firearms contribute to the most heinous crimes committed in society,” said the Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala.

The Western Cape Education Department advised that it would be following up on the incident on Monday. 

Spokesperson Bronagh Hammond noted that while schools are weapon-free zones, it’s difficult to monitor this and ensure compliance. 

“While we can place metal detectors at the front door, a learner can simply throw a weapon over the school wall, or get a weapon “delivered” through a school fence,” said Hammond.

She added that the sad reality is that learners bring weapons to schools either as a form of protection, as a means of showing off, or with the intention to harm others.  

However, the department noted that it does intend to take disciplinary action, noting that it is a very serious matter.

“It is therefore necessary to ensure that disciplinary action is taken when learners are found with weapons in the school premises. It is a serious transgression.”

Hammond also extended thanks to the SAPS for its role in identifying at-risk youth by conducting search operations at schools, which she said assists the WCED with its programmes aimed at youth at risk.

“Section 8A of SASA as well as section 45A of the Western Cape Provincial School Education Act, 1997 (Act 12 of 1997), allow random search and seizure and testing for the use of illegal drugs if there is suspicion that it is being taken/used/distributed on the school premises.
Our search and seizure guidelines provide clearly defined powers to conduct search and seizure operations at schools. The guidelines assist principals in ensuring that they are in full compliance with the relevant law when conducting these searches and that the rights of learners are respected,” said Hammond.

Meanwhile, the WCED noted that its programmes to identify and establish interventions for young people with behavioural problems include early identification and referral of learners requiring support, as well as positive behaviour and well-being programmes aimed at building resilience among learners and staff. Thousands of learners and teachers are reached through interventions and one-on-one sessions addressing anxiety, bereavement, depression, abuse and trauma, while “trauma-informed schools” and emotional first-aid training have also been provided to teachers.

Other initiatives include educating educators on their rights and responsibilities, alternatives to corporal punishment, positive behaviour, restorative discipline, anti-bullying and anti-violence, peace education, caring schools, the vulnerability of boys, and programmes that promote resilience and support for teachers.