North West | Crime | School Safety Operation
A major school safety operation at Kgoke-Lesabe Secondary School in the North West resulted in the seizure of several prohibited items, including a panga, a folding knife, cigarettes, suspected dagga and vapes, as police intensified efforts to improve safety and discipline in schools.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday, 26 August 2026, at Kgoke-Lesabe Secondary School in the Biesiesvlei policing area. Members of Biesiesvlei SAPS were joined by Sannieshof SAPS, the LTX Dog Unit and the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit based in Mahikeng. The search operation took place between 08:00 and 16:00 and involved a total of 767 learners.
According to police, the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to create safer learning environments and to identify potential threats to learners, educators and school staff. School search operations are regularly conducted across South Africa as part of the South African Police Service’s Safer Schools Programme, which aims to prevent crime, violence, substance abuse and gang-related activity in educational institutions.
During the operation, police identified several concerns affecting discipline and safety at the school. Among the issues raised were allegations of bullying involving certain learners, including learners who had attended traditional initiation schools. Authorities also received reports of learners allegedly intimidating fellow learners and, in some cases, educators.
Police further noted concerns regarding non-compliance with the school’s dress code, while allegations of gang-related fights among learners were also highlighted during the operation. Such incidents have become an increasing concern in some communities, where school management teams and law enforcement agencies are working together to address violence, intimidation and disruptive behaviour within school environments.
The search operation resulted in the seizure of a number of prohibited and potentially dangerous items found on school premises. These included a panga, a folding knife, cigarettes, suspected dagga, vaping devices, matches, playing cards, balaclavas and bucket hats.
The discovery of weapons such as a panga and folding knife has raised concerns about the potential risks posed to learners and staff if such items are brought onto school grounds. Police have repeatedly warned that weapons in schools can contribute to violence, intimidation and serious criminal incidents.
Substance abuse among learners also remains a concern for authorities. The seizure of suspected dagga, cigarettes and vaping devices forms part of wider efforts by law enforcement and education authorities to discourage substance use among school-aged children and to prevent illegal substances from entering school environments.
The involvement of specialised units, including the LTX Dog Unit and Public Order Policing Unit, highlights the importance authorities place on proactive crime prevention within educational institutions. Similar operations are often conducted across the country based on intelligence, community concerns or ongoing safety initiatives.
The South African Police Service said the operation forms part of its continued commitment to promoting safer schools and addressing criminality, violence and other behaviour that may negatively affect learners and educators. Police have consistently encouraged parents, educators, community leaders and learners to work together in identifying and reporting safety concerns before they escalate into serious incidents.
School safety remains a national priority as authorities continue efforts to combat bullying, substance abuse, gang activity and violence within educational institutions. Community policing partnerships and collaboration between schools and law enforcement agencies are increasingly viewed as key tools in creating safer and more supportive learning environments.
