Reiger Park SAPS led an impactful awareness walk to address the pressing issues of bullying, drug abuse and gangsterism on July 19.
The walk saw robust support from Boksburg Correctional Services, the EMPD, ward councillor Edith Klassen, the Department of Social Development and the Reiger Park CPF, alongside participation from secondary school learners in the area, ranging from grades eight to 12.
The walk commenced at the Reiger Park Police Station and concluded at the civic centre, where various stakeholders engaged with the learners.
Vivan Mateme, a probation officer from the DSD, opened the discussion at the centre by highlighting the destructive path from bullying to gangsterism and incarceration.
“Bullying from a young age is one of the main factors that leads to gangsterism, drugs and all sorts of bad things.
“A lot of people who are gangsters were bullies or are still bullies and many underage children are arrested.
“We want to work with the schools to stop bullying and educate and make the schooling environment a healthy and safer place for everyone,” said Mateme.
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Alice Dlamini, from Boksburg Correctional Services, addressed the severity of crime, regardless of age.
“There are a lot of gangsters serving maximum sentences. Juvenile detention is not a fun place to be.
“Crime is not fun. No one is above the law and you will suffer the consequences when you commit crimes.
“Refrain from crime and choose your circle of friends wisely so that you do not end up doing things that are against the law.”
The audience also heard from ex-convict Ayoob Toffee from Reiger Park who shared his personal story to dissuade the youth from criminal activities.
“I was sentenced when I was only 10 years old after I stole from a local shop. I was released after six years but returned to a life of crime at the age of 17 and committed various offences, including fraud.
“At 33, I was arrested again and my friends, who used to commit crimes with me, turned against me. I received a double life sentence plus 16 years.
“I want everyone to know that crime does not pay and jail is not a nice place to be.”
Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga concluded the event by reinforcing the message of unity and proactive engagement within the community to combat these social issues.
He emphasised the importance of such initiatives in creating a safer environment for all residents, especially the youth.
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