Talk against crime, drugs and gangsterism addressed at local school
Learners attend school to socialise – they appear to be more driven outside the classroom.
Thembisa SAPS representatives from social crime prevention, Makukhanye Rehab Centre and Thato One Big Family hosted a school talk about crime, gangsterism, and drug abuse at the Tembisa Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation on September 23.
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This was in response to a rise in teen pregnancies and sexually-related illnesses among learners, as well as a rise in youngsters joining gangs and abusing drugs.
According to Constable Asnath Makgupya, preventative initiatives aim to increase protective variables while lowering risk factors.
“Schools’ biggest concern has always been learner behaviour. Learners attend school to socialise – they appear to be more driven outside the classroom.
“For this reason, it is important to warn the learners that the law will not be forgiving of juvenile criminals and that the police are aware of gangsterism. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated.
“Learners must not use their phones for anything other than homework during breaks from school,” said Makgupya.
Lerato Kganyago of the Makukhanye Rehab Centre urged learners to not use drugs.
The LGBTIQ+ community’s Thato One Big Family representative Thoriso Damane also spoke to learners about understanding their sexuality.
Tebogo Ramalata (32), an ex-offender who was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison for armed robbery and murder, left the learners in tears as she described how she had chosen friends above her parents’ guidance and joined the wrong crowd.
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“I had never touched alcohol in my entire life, but one terrible day I partied with the wrong crowd to appease my friends and quit school. At the time of my arrest, I was the mother to a nine-month-old baby.
“My so-called friends testified against me, painting me as the prime culprit,” said Ramalata.
She also explained to the learners that despite her rehabilitation, no parent wants her to be near them anymore.
“Do something now to change your life for the better.”
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