Fairvale Secondary School
By Natalie Naidoo
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and decisive operation at Fairvale Secondary School in Wentworth, Durban, which led to the confiscation of illegal substances and large sums of cash.
The police operation on Friday was carried out in response to growing reports of violence and drug-related activities within the school, raising concerns about learner safety and the impact of crime on education.
“We will not idly stand by while drugs and illegal activities threaten the safety and education of our children,” said MEC Hlomuka, reiterating the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education’s stance against criminal elements infiltrating schools.⸻
Massive SAPS Operation Targets School Crime
More than 60 police officers were deployed for the search-and-seizure operation, which was aimed at ensuring that teaching and learning could continue in a safe and drug-free environment.
During the operation, police confiscated a range of illegal substances and dangerous items, including:
• Vapes and cigarettes
• Sharp scissors and pocket knives
• Pain medication and unknown pills
• Large sums of cash
The presence of these substances and weapons within school premises raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of learners.
⸻
MEC Hlomuka Calls for Community Involvement
MEC Hlomuka emphasised that combatting crime in schools requires a collaborative approach between the education department, law enforcement, and families.
“We ask that parents be intentional about ensuring that their children stay away from the use of illegal substances and any criminal activities. The safety and well-being of our learners requires joint effort between the department, law enforcement, and families.”He urged parents and guardians to take an active role in monitoring their children’s activities and warned that criminal elements targeting schools will face strict action.
⸻
Rising Concerns Over School Safety in KZN
The incident at Fairvale Secondary is part of a broader concern regarding violence, drug abuse, and criminal activities in schools across KwaZulu-Natal.
Recent reports indicate that gang-related activities and substance abuse have been increasing in several schools, particularly in urban areas like Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
In 2024, KZN police and education officials conducted over 300 school safety operations, confiscating dangerous weapons, drugs, and stolen items.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has also raised alarm over the growing cases of learner involvement in drugs and criminal activities, urging stricter monitoring and intervention programs.
⸻
Government’s Efforts to Tackle School Crime
In response to the Fairvale Secondary School incident and similar cases across the province, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has vowed to strengthen:
• Security presence in schools, including regular search-and-seizure operations.
• Anti-drug awareness programs in collaboration with law enforcement and social workers.
• Parental engagement initiatives to help families identify early signs of drug use and criminal behaviour.
The SAPS has also pledged to increase visibility in schools most affected by violence and drug-related crime, particularly in Durban, Umlazi, and KwaMashu.
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