The Actonville SAPS were present at Liverpool Secondary School yesterday (February 27) to address the learners regarding social ills – and they will be visiting other schools in the near future.
Station commander Col Elsie Mashinini was first to address the learners on dangers such as drugs, bullying and teenage pregnancy.
This comes after the death of 17-year-old Naeem Mohammed at the school on February 21.
The learner collapsed during a fitness class and was declared dead by paramedics after efforts to resuscitate him failed.
While the cause of death has not been established, the station commander said SAPS has taken cognisance of the incident and “are there for the learners”.
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Mashinini also highlighted gangsterism in the community and asked learners to refrain from gang-related activities.
“Do not idolise gangsters,” Mashinini said.
“Ask yourselves, where do gangsters acquire their wealth?
“The wealth comes from other crimes such as murder, hijackings and death.”
Mashinini went on to state that unruly behaviour from learners would not help them achieve their goals in their respective futures.
“Discipline begins at home,” she said.
“Bad behaviour and a lack of discipline will not get you anywhere in life.”
One of the officers present at the event said the police were there as concerned parents as well as within their official capacity.
The officer told the learners the police will be there to guide them and not fight them.
The presence of SAPS and EMPD patrol officers on a regular basis around the school was also highlighted.
“Bullying was our main focus here today,” said Mashinini to the City Times after the address.
“We will be visiting other schools in the Actonville and Wattville communities with the same message that was delivered here today with a special emphasis on high schools.”
A representative from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) was among those present during the address.
The representative advised the learners against drug-abuse with an emphasis on cannabis.
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