A collaboration by the Western Cape Education Department, the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, SAPS, and the National Prosecuting Authority, has resulted in sentences for two men found guilty of theft and vandalism at a school.
Western Cape MEC for Education, Debbie Schafer, announced that a Victim Impact Statement is now being used in crimes of vandalism against schools. This, she said, came after “a long period of discussions” between the four government departments.
By using this statement, prosecutors are able to provide the court with additional information on the impact of crimes committed at schools – crimes such as burglary and vandalism.
“I am even more delighted that this statement has been used in our first case against two accused who were convicted of housebreaking and theft at Eros School in Bridgetown, and has resulted in the first accused being sentenced to three years’ direct imprisonment and the second accused given three years correctional supervision, after they were found guilty on Friday October 19. The accused – Faeez Brown and Shane Walters – broke into the school library of Eros and stole two kettles and electric wiring,” Ms Schafer said.
She explained that the intention of the Victim Impact Statement is that it will now be used by prosecutors to oppose bail of the accused, and after the conviction, use this to show the impact the crime had on the school, in aggravation of sentence.
Ms Schafer added: “In this particular matter, the statement was handed in, in aggravation of sentence. We are concerned that incidents of vandalism at schools are often not seen in the serious light in which they should be, as the courts are not always fully apprised of the impact of the actions on the school and the education department.
“For example, when a person appears before a court for stealing two copper taps and some copper pipes, it is seldom seen as a ‘serious’ crime and therefore such persons seldom receive an appropriate sentence – but by using a victim impact statement which must be introduced by the prosecutor in aggravation of sentence, we are able to provide the court with a ‘new’ perspective which speaks to the impact of such acts of vandalism on the school system and how it often deprives or impacts negatively on the schooling for disadvantaged schools and pupils.”
She hopes the outcome of this case will send a “clear message that there will be serious consequences for criminals who target our schools”, Ms Schafer said.
Deputy principal of Eros School, Colin Haupt said while they welcome this, schools should not become complacent when it comes to security.
“Schools should not only depend on the Western Cape Education Department to provide security. Schools should not become complacent and must put their own measures in place. We have taken a proactive approach, and are working closely with the community and the neighbourhood watch. It is because of our relationship with the community that the two people convicted for the crime, were caught.”
