Rise in bullet-proof fences at Cape schools
Pupils in gang-ridden areas now protected by hi-tech barriers
BULLET-REFLECTIVE fences have become the norm at schools in gang-ridden areas, as many fear that stray bullets might hit pupils inside the school.
In Manenberg, 12 of the 14 schools in the area have it. At Lavender Hill Secondary School, a bullet-reflective fence was fitted when a part of the school fence was stolen.
These fences are installed at schools to deflect the bullets away from the buildings and school grounds.
Schools have started to install it due to the increase in gang battles in the areas.
In Manenberg, holes were shot through some of the schools’ walls and chalkboards.
Blomvlei Primary School in Hanover Park is one of the schools that installed such as fence last year. The principal of the school, Dawn Petersen, said that because of frequent shootings in the area they feared that one of their pupils might get shot by a stray bullet. It is also the school where Evangeline Brockman, 42, taught. She was recently killed by a gunman in Delft.
Petersen said: “The bullet-reflective fence is quite expensive, but ensures that a bullet does not come through the fence, while the kids are in the classroom, or on the playground. Another school in Hanover Park also has one and most of the schools in Manenberg.”
Petersen said that due to the gang violence and continuous shootings in the area, they have created a safe space for the kids at the school. “We do have the walking bus ladies, who walk kids safely to school. And we have created a home away from home for them here. We have awesome teachers at the school, who work hard and who are really passionate about education and the community. Here, teachers go beyond the call of duty in making sure that the children get the best education. A few years ago this school was declared dysfunctional, but we have turned it around. We now also have an amazing eco-friendly library, which the kids love.” Jessica Shever, the spokesperson for education MEC, Debbie Schäfer, said that they have invested heavily in bullet-reflective fences for schools.