BEREA police have embarked on a drive to ensure children’s rights are protected with a cordon and search at a high school on the Berea on Friday morning.
According to Lieutenant PN Naidoo, certain schools have experienced problems with drugs and bullying.
“The cordon and search is part of our SAPS child protection week initiative. It is an urgent problem which is why we are having it while pupils are writing exams so it will be quick. Certain classes within the school have been identified and we will search and be out quickly so exams can continue.”
Annually government, civil society and the private sector lead a massive public campaign to raise awareness on the rights of children as per the Children’s Act of 2005 [Act no 38]. The campaign, known as Child Protection Week is commemorated annually on the last week of May.
The Child Protection Week campaign gives parents, caregivers, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, domestic workers, academics, celebrities, faith-based organisations, public servants, police, traditional leaders and political leaders a chance to extend their hands to play an important role in protecting children from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Naidoo appealed to all schools whether primary or high to contact the police if they required specialised awareness talks on bullying, child abuse, drugs or social problems.
Contact LT PN Naidoo on 079 696 3573 for more information and to set up social crime awareness talks at your school.
