WATCH: HAWKS and ACT warned learners about misbehaving
Learners were urged to continue behave in an acceptable manner.
Laerskool Suidheuwels teachers painted a bleak picture of the learners’ behaviour on a special visit by different stakeholders on September 13.
The situation necessitated the school to invite the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Awareness for Child Trafficking Africa (ACT) and Social Development Department (DSD) to speak to the learners, especially those in Grade Six and Seven.
During this visit, the Southern Courier established some learners are involved in gangsterism. There are two gangs: Varados and Fast Guns.
HAWKS and ACT warned learners about misbehaving pic.twitter.com/7EKsznzl6M
— Southern Courier SA (@courier_sa) September 14, 2023
Some of these primary school learners are involved in drugs, sexual acts, watching porn, asking for nudes, bullying and even vaping.
The deputy principal, Mervin Crosby, said they invited these stakeholders because they loved their learners.
“There are serious challenges, and it is very concerning that some learners got suspended. There are Grade Four learners caught stealing. We want to raise learners who will grow to become responsible and accountable citizens.
“To Grade Seven learners, you will soon go to high schools, however, if you make the wrong choices, an arrest is imminent as there are consequences for your actions,” he said.
Chairperson, CEO and co-founder of ACT, Hilary Leong, said they were there to talk about what affects the learners, including gender-based violence and human trafficking. She warned learners about social media.
“It is important to seek advice from your parents as there you get people who prey on young people on social media. Do not accept invites from people you don’t know.
“We were lucky to intercept a conversation with an 11-year-old talking to an older person pretending to be the same age as the minor. Also, remember, don’t keep bad secrets. Tell your parents or teachers,” she said.
The deputy chairperson and co-founder of ACT, Matthew Mensah, encouraged the learners to pay attention to school because that’s the only way to become better people.
“Stop paying attention to social media as what you see is not all glamour. Today we invited the Hawks to show how important you are to us.
“Stop harassing and bullying other learners. Remember, you have your life ahead of you. Don’t take the wrong path. Focus on yourself and be kind. Be vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings as kidnapping is real and happening,” he said.
Mensah also promised the learners good things only if they behaved well. He said the next time he comes, he will bring gifts and organise one of the best artists to come and perform for the learners.
Hawks Captain Lefa Lebitso from serious organised crime investigation said he specialised in human trafficking in Gauteng. He told the learners there was a law that states that any minor above 10 years if found guilty of bullying, could be sentenced to prison.
“This law was passed to prevent bullying and the increase of suicide among learners because of bullying. This is a warning to all of you.
“There’s also cyberbullying where learners do nasty things on social media. Don’t take pictures of other learners and post them to ridicule them. Also, don’t ask for nudes and post them on social media. You will be arrested.
“Remember one can fall victim to human trafficking. Traffickers know your background. Some families have alcoholics, and they use that to their advantage.
“I heard about drugs, bullying and sexual activities here at the school, which will not be tolerated. Sex is meant for adults. If I receive a call that implicates you in these things I have mentioned, it will be your last day here at school. I will take you to jail. I will deal with gangs harshly,” he said.
Social worker Karabo Masekoameng from DSD said they work with learners to solve their problems.
“We go to schools and attend to the problems. Our services are free of charge, private and confidential. Feel free to ask for our services. Even if you have challenges at home that affect you at school, come to us for help.
“It has been said that some of the social ills here include bullying and vaping. We are going to visit regularly here to assist. With bullying, you put other learners at risk of dropping out or committing suicide, so stop it,” he said.
The day concluded with the Love What U Do Theatre group performing a play that highlights social pressures in the community.
