Schools in Duduza took to the streets demanding the volunteers against drugs move out
It is alleged that on Monday morning, a group of learners identified as part of a gang called Ambush, were taken to an open veld and assaulted.
Duduza – Learning and teaching were disrupted at Duduza secondary schools by learners and parents on Wednesday.
They demanded that the police, members of the CPF, and concerned groups be deployed at the schools to fight gangsterism and drugs.
The campaign was rolled-out 30 days ago after schools in the area complained about gangs terrorising the schools’ grounds.
When surprise searches at the schools were conducted, a gun, knives, and drugs were found.
This led to the #30dayslockdown, saturation patrols, and the fight against drugs and dealers in secondary schools.
It is alleged that on Monday morning, a group of learners, identified as part of a gang called Ambush, were taken to an open veld and allegedly assaulted.
Deputy chairperson Beauty Moloi said that at Esibonelwesihle Secondary School, they demanded that the volunteers vacate the schools.
“We were told that the learners disrespect the teachers and arrive late, and the group is deployed to protect the teachers.
“We want the teachers to protect other teachers, not to have these volunteers take over the security in the school. Why must we appoint outside people to guard our children?”
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Moloi confirmed that in previous raids by the School Governing Body, drugs were also found.
A secondary school principal, who asked not to be named, said since the initiative was rolled out at his school, they no longer have problems with drugs and gangsterism.
“We saw the programme’s success in our school but are now hearing about some of the extreme measures they use to discipline the learners,” he said.
Another parent and the deputy chairperson of the CPF, Bongi Hlalele, said, as parents, they were not told about the operation.
“There are different ways to punish the learners, and that should have been done by consulting the parents,” she added.
Duduza police spokesperson Sergeant Noluthando Mahlangu said they urge learners and parents not to vandalise the school infrastructure.
“We plead with the injured learners to open criminal cases with the police and allow the law to unfold,” he said.
