The Bedfordview SAPS recently visited Bedfordview High School for an unannounced drug and alcohol search.
According to the Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, the visit was in line with the Schools Safety Project, a brainchild of the Department of Education to make schools a crime free zone.
The SAPS partnered with the K9 Unit, as well as the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), for the visit.
“We searched the pupils while the dogs sniffed the school bags. We are happy and proud to say no illegal substances were found on the school premises. The school was clean,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
He added that the visit was one of many yet to be done in the area.
“We want to make sure we help maintain a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning in our schools. Bullying in schools is a growing concern for both the police and parents, as well as teachers. Children sometimes go as far as killing each other, so regularly searching pupils during unannounced visits will help us ensure no weapons are being carried to schools,” he said.
Safety in South African schools recently came under the spotlight after incidents of violence, drugs and alcohol use were reported.
A school teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the NEWS that the generation of children in schools today is different when compared with that of their parents.
“I do believe that technology has, in many ways, impacted the way our children choose to live their lives. We have heard and seen stories on how children join satanic cults they find either on social networking sites, or on the internet in general,” he said.
The teacher added that he had hopes the police visibility will assist in the fight against bullying on and off school grounds.
