The prevalence of drug and alcohol abuse in schools has been a major concern.
On October 12, Primrose SAPS visited Dawnview High School in Primrose to address drug and alcohol abuse.
Learners listened attentively to speakers and observed social distancing in assembly fashion.
The speakers were school principal Moeketsie Kolokoto, Primrose SAPS communications officer Sgt Styles Maome, Capt Herman Lehabe, previous Dawnview High learner and Primrose SAPS Youth desk member Tshegofatso Maponya and Past Elias Leholo from the Makause Church Forum and Primrose SAPS Victim Empowerment Committee (VEC).
Also present was Aphiwe Nogoda from Ekupholeni NGO tasked by the Department of Social Development.
Maome said the purpose of the visit was to encourage learners to stop using drugs and promote a safer learning environment.
“Our goal to denounce myths such as ‘if you smoke marijuana you can perform well in maths’. This is not true,” said the officer.
Leholo spoke about his life as a delinquent learner.
“I smoked a lot when I was young. My hands were even stained and could not be washed off.
“I was part of a group of five naughty children and all four of them are no more today.
“I have been through this and want to tell you there is nothing new under the sun,” he shared.
He encouraged learners to turn their lives around just like he did.
Maponya urged learners to take his messages which were relayed during the drug prevention speeches to heart.
Lehabe urged the learners to not take a route that will damage their future.
“I am sure after school you all want to find a job, but remember, if you have a criminal record it will take about 10 years to get it removed.”
Maome appealed to transport drivers to not allow learners to drink alcohol in their vehicles as this will be considered as aiding them.
The Safer School programme is a national campaign by SAPS to prevent school-based crimes.
The programme seeks to encourage the participation of police officers in promoting safer and orderly school environments.
Schools were encouraged to establish and maintain a safe learning environment.
“Drug prevention visits to schools will be continuous because we want to produce future leaders,” said Maome.
For more information on the Safer Schools programme in Primrose call Maome on 011 842 0500.
