Concerned community member Joyce Wilkinson claims Edenglen High School learners are engaging in unruly behaviour at a local park.
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The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has since launched an investigation into the allegations.
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Wilkinson said she has seen learners between 15 and 18 years old drink alcohol, smoke and engage in sexual activities at Vincent Park near the school grounds.
“I know they are Edenglen High learners because I’ve seen them in their school uniforms,” said Wilkinson.
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The learners allegedly engage in these activities during school and after school hours.
“I have seen the learners having sex in the park with my own eyes,” said Wilkinson.
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“They drink beer, smoke cigarettes and smoke what I suspect may be marijuana. My son picked up packets, at the park, which I believe were used to carry marijuana,” said Wilkinson.
“I have heard these learners moaning while having sex in the park,” said Sharilee Fletcher, who lives next to the park.
“It is disgusting because the children don’t care who sees what they do. They have sex in broad daylight. I have also found used condoms in my garden,” said Fletcher.
She also said that she has seen learners drinking from beer bottles.
“Community members think the learners hide small packages of drugs in a Palm tree near the park. One day you see a package and the next day it is gone,” said Fletcher.
Principal of Edenglen High School, Trevor Weinerlein, said the school was unaware of the alleged activities of the learners until the NEWS approached the school for comment.
“We take all concerns very seriously and will act swiftly,” said Weinerlein.
He thanked the residents for raising their concerns.
Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the GDE, said the department had not received any official complaints.
He said a team of GDE officials were sent to the school on October 20 to obtain further information.
“As soon as the investigation is complete the findings will be shared with the public,” said Mabona.
He said if a learner is found to be in possession of any illegal substance, they will face disciplinary action by the school.
Mabona said the GDE takes drug abuse amongst learners seriously.
“Psychosocial support will be offered to learners involved,” said Mabona.
The support offered will provide learners with life skills in the hope of preventing similar offences in the future.
Clr Heather Hart from Ward 18 said the claims made by residents are concerning.
Hart said before the park was closed, condom wrappers and needles were often found in the park by residents.
Hart hopes the matter will be dealt with now that lines of communication have been opened.
“I believe it is great that residents are vigilant in their communities and are keeping an eye on our youth,” said Hart.
Some of the ways the GDE attempts to prevent substance abuse amongst learners includes:
• Teaching learners about the dangers of substance abuse in life orientation classes.
• Training educators in high-risk areas with the assistance of the South African Narcotics and Cancer Association.
• Making use of school-based support teams which can identify drugs and their various symptoms.
• Taking learners on prison visits for them to witness the consequences of wrongdoings.
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