Schools Under Siege: Crime Wave Threatens Education Across South Africa

Crime spilling into the classroom

In communities already battling unemployment, gangsterism, and service delivery failures, South Africa’s schools have now become the latest battleground for criminals. From extortion rackets to break-ins and theft, schools in multiple provinces are finding themselves under siege, with teachers, learners, and critical infrastructure all at risk.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube first flagged the trend in late 2024, warning that what were once isolated cases have now snowballed into a nationwide crisis. By mid-2025, her fears had materialised: cases are being reported from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape, with little indication the wave of crime is slowing.

Extortion targeting teachers

Some of the most alarming cases have involved criminals demanding money directly from educators. At the Efata School for the Blind in the Eastern Cape, a nurse was told to pay R50,000 or face consequences. When she refused, her belongings were stolen and the principal was threatened.

In Philippi East, Western Cape, staff at Zane Mfundo Primary School were allegedly told to hand over 10% of their salaries for “protection.” The school had to cancel classes out of fear for staff safety. Despite reports to police, teachers say there has been little tangible response.

The situation escalated further on 26 July 2025, when teachers at Dalibhunga Senior Secondary in Ngqeleni found a chilling note demanding R1,000 per month from each teacher. The South African Police Service confirmed that the case was handed to the Eastern Cape Organised Crime Unit, with Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso calling it “an attack on our education system and community stability.”

Vandalism draining education budgets

While extortion grabs headlines, vandalism and theft are quietly bleeding schools of resources. Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier reported 57 break-ins at 46 schools during the June–July 2025 holidays — a jump from 45 incidents the previous year. Stolen goods included computers, kitchen equipment, sports gear, wiring, and even plumbing fixtures, with damage expected to exceed R1 million.

“Stealing from our schools is stealing from our children,” said Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight Anroux Marais, urging communities to help identify perpetrators.

Weak security leaves schools exposed

Security experts say the crisis is worsened by the fact that almost all South African schools have never undergone a proper independent security risk assessment. According to the consultancy Security Risk Assessment Concept, an estimated 99.89% of schools are operating without adequate protection.

“Schools often don’t know what effective security looks like,” the firm said. “A thorough assessment can pinpoint risks and help develop a practical, tailored plan to protect learners and staff.” They urged parents to consider security when choosing a school,  not just academics or facilities.

More than a policing problem

The attacks on schools are not only a safety concern but a blow to the already fragile education system. Many of these institutions serve communities where children rely on schools for meals, stability, and a safe environment. When crime forces closures or drains budgets through repairs, it undermines the very foundation of learning.

The bigger question is whether government, law enforcement, and communities can work together to shield schools from becoming yet another front in South Africa’s crime crisis. Because once classrooms turn into crime scenes, the damage isn’t just measured in stolen goods, it’s measured in lost futures.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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