MEC for Education Debbie Schäfer is urging pupils and parents to be vigilant after reports of children being drugged and abducted outside schools emerged this week.
She says two incidents have been reported in District Six , where people in a white van tried to take school children.
Wednesday, Schäfer released a statement after panic spread on social media when a letter by a school social worker for Metropole Central Education District, Tatum Louw, went viral.
INCIDENTS: Learners were reportedly abducted. Photo: Supplied
The names of the schools where the incidents happened have not been revealed.
Louw’s letter says: “Please be aware there has been a series of child abductions that took place in the past 2 weeks in the Zonnebloem and surroundings area.
“Multiple cases have been reported to my office of learners walking to and from school and being drugged and taken in a van/vehicle.
Schafer confirmed that the incidents have been reported to police.
WARNING: Debbie Schäfer. Photo: Supplied
It is not clear if the children went missing,or what transpired after their abduction.
“Reports indicate the perpetrators are drugging learners and abducting them, one reporting the involvement of a white van. We have reported these incidents to SAPS, Cape Town,” she said.
“We have not had reports of this happening in any other area, but I would like to urge parents to exercise caution, and inform their children of the dangers of engaging with and of taking any food or beverage from strangers.”
She says policing has been increased in the area.
Parents and teachers may phone Safe Schools Call Centre not only to report incidents and request support, but also for counselling and advice on 0800 45 46 47.
Incidents should be reported to police.