The law enforcement officers arrived at JE Malepe and Reshogofaditswe secondary schools on Monday morning and searched the learners for any illegal substances or weapons.
“This was in line with the safer schools programme which was initiated under the collaborative partnership between the Department of Education and the SAPS.
“The unannounced search at the schools was also to ensure that a culture of safe learning and teaching is maintained without any incidents.
“It is further to encourage learners to focus on their studies, knowing that no weapons and drugs are allowed in school,” says Ekurhuleni East Cluster spokesperson, Sgt Harry Manaka.
Nothing serious was confiscated from the learners, apart from cigarettes.
Read: Police conduct raids at two secondary schools
Manaka commends the learners on their behaviour, cooperation and respect. He says it showed that the young people were ready to learn.
He adds that they hope the searches will have a positive impact on the academic performance of the learners.
As part of the programme, police were accompanied by former convict Simon Mbolekwana, who is now a qualified chef.
Mbolekwana motivated and advised learners to stay focused and not to get involved in gangsterism and drugs.
Read: Community educated on drug and substance abuse
He also shared some of the challenges he faced as a young person.
