Nearly 3% of vetted South African school staff have criminal records

NEW data from background screening provider TPN has raised concerns about the safety of children in school environments across South Africa, as it revealed that 2.95% of school staff screened between March 2024 and February 2025 were flagged for criminal activity, including violent and sexual offences.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

While TPN said the figure slightly improved from last year’s 3.08%, this still equates to one in every 34 individuals vetted, from teachers to groundskeepers, having a criminal record. Of those flagged, 1.22% had criminal records specifically related to abuse and sexual offences.

In a statement, legal counsel at TPN, Ashleigh Laurent, said: "Even a small percentage translates into dozens, if not hundreds, of adults with concerning backgrounds working in proximity to children," Laurent warned.

The report found that 43.9% of those with criminal records were convicted of violent and serious crimes. Assault accounted for 23.17%, theft for 18.29%, drug trafficking 12.2%, housebreaking 3.66%, and murder 2.44%. In addition, 1.06% of staff were flagged as being involved in legal proceedings and awaiting trial, including for offences like assault and malicious damage to property.