Pupils’ safety is worrying
MIDRAND - The Midrand police, Metro police, Midrand South African National Council of Alcoholism (SANCA), Midrand police's victim empowerment unit and the Johannesburg Emergency Services had a week-long educational campaign at Blue Hills College.
Midrand police’s social crime prevention officer, Constable Nanti Belebesi said the campaign had multi-facets.
“Some of the children don’t even know the emergency number, 10177, which is worrying,” said Belebesi. “So, we had to address those issues as well as drug abuse and human trafficking.”
Metro police’s officer Ernest Mazibuko said they specifically targeted issues with regards to transport. “We are alerting them of these issues as the year begins because we want them to [live by these rules as the year progresses].”
Co-ordinator of the victim’s empowerment unit at the police station, Nicola Arend, said, “Adults need to realise that children are just as affected by trauma as they are; they just don’t often have the words to express it.”
“Bullying is words or behaviour that is intentionally meant to hurt you.” she said.
SANCA representative, Tshepiso Mabuyela’s role was synchronised with her association’s goals. “The aim of our association is to educate about substance abuse.” “It is important for the pupils to have walked away with the knowledge of the dangers associated with drug abuse.”
Constance Masilela, from the Johannesburg Emergency Services, agreed with Belebesi. “More needs to be done to educate children on safety issues, we can’t have a situation where children don’t even know who to call in case of an emergency.”
