Amid surge in gang violence, Lotus River school puts measures in place as learning resumes
Dozens of people have been shot dead in a surge of violence in various areas on the Cape Flats in Lotus River, a raging gang war has left 14 people dead in just over two weeks.
Lotus High School in Cape Town. Picture: Lotus High School/Facebook
CAPE TOWN - Learners on the Cape Flats returned to school on Tuesday for the start of the new term despite looming concerns over their safety.
Dozens of people have been shot dead in a surge of violence in various areas on the Cape Flats in Lotus River, a raging gang war has left 14 people dead in just over two weeks.
Lotus High School principal, Stephen Price, said that less than a week ago, a former learner from the school was shot dead in a park about fifty meters from the school.
Price said that the recent gang violence had raised some concerns.
"The department provides us with security during the holidays, but at the start of the term, that security stops. So, there is a concern that this gang violence could spill out and escalate."
Price said that the school had put its own measures in place.
"We are confident that the measures that we've put in place. We have got additional security for the next two weeks and we are confident that we can look after our learners while they're at school."
Price said that police had indicated they would be patrolling the area during school hours for the rest of the week.
Other learners who live outside the area say they feel safe when they’re at school, but fear walking through the area when they go home. CP
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 9, 2024