‘Labelling school bags puts children in danger’, says SAPS

WHILE labelling a child’s school bag and paying school fees upfront may seem harmless, Durban Central SAPS reveals how parents may be unwittingly walking into theft and fraud traps.   

Captain Muzi Maphumulo urged parents and guardians to avoid writing their child’s name on their school bag.

This, after SAPS learned that criminals will call the child by their name to gain their trust before robbing them.

Maphumulo also cautioned parents to be vigilant of scams when making payments, enrolling, or transferring school learners.

Also read: R240k drugs recovered in ongoing Point area operation

”Some of the victims discover after having paid a lot of money that the learning institution is not registered with the Department of Education,” he said.

“The institution’s eligibility should be checked with the Department of Education,” continued Maphumulo.

Another concern is hidden drugs sold in sweets and baked goods.

Also read: SAPS arrest 244 suspects for GBV crimes despite campaign to end violence

“The police have also noted that some school children will consume drugs without knowing. Some drugs are mixed with muffins or even with sweets,” said Maphumulo. He urged parents to teach their children not to buy sweets or baked goods along the roadside when commuting home from school.

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