More parents needed to boost safety at Ocean View High

The Ocean View Community Police Forum (CPF) are calling on parents to join the Community in Blue (CIB) programme - especially at Ocean View High School.

The CIB programme, an initiative of the South African Police Service (SAPS), enlists members of the community to serve as “the eyes and ears” in their neighbourhoods.

Participants report criminal activities and suspicious behaviour to the authorities, acting as a vital link between the community and law enforcement (“New CIB members boost Muizenberg SAPS,” Echo, August 29).

CPF chairman Mansoer Ismail said Ocean View police station has 15 CIB members actively patrolling the area, with an additional eight members recently appointed to work exclusively at Ocean View High School.

He said the school initiative came about after concerned parents and the school's governing body (SGB), approached SAPS to see how they could assist in making the school a safer environment for pupils.

The members, he said, have since been vetted by police and have joined the CIB programme.

Ocean View High School principal, Andrew Sanders, praised the programme, calling it “a great initiative that was long overdue”.

He said gang violence in recent years has traumatised many pupils, creating a need for immediate action.

“The school belongs to the community, and we need the community to take ownership. We need people on the ground, getting an idea of what happens daily,” said Mr Sanders.

He said teachers are already stretched thin, balancing their classroom duties with maintaining order on the school grounds.

“Teachers don’t have the time to run after pupils who are bunking, they have to focus on teaching,” he said.

He said the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has provided the school with metal detectors, and the CIB members assist with scanning pupils in the mornings, confiscating any dangerous items such as knives, scissors, and vapes.

In addition to these safety checks, the CIB members also patrol the school grounds, ensuring pupils attend class and recording the names of those skipping class.

“If pupils commit a serious offence, we immediately contact their parents to discuss the matter,” said Mr Sanders.

Mr Ismail stressed the need for more parents to step forward.

“Your presence can make a huge difference in ensuring a safe environment for our children. By working together, we can build a school community where students feel secure and can focus on their education.”

Outside of the school, the other 15 CIB members will do patrols along Kommetjie Beach from Surfer's Corner to the Kakapo wreck on Noordhoek Beach during the busy summer months of November, December, and January.