Cops focus on schools
Some of the illegal activities include smuggling drugs such as dagga and nyaope and carrying dangerous weapons such as knives and pangas.
MBOMBELA – Some schools in our communities are no longer user-friendly or a safe environment for pupils. Some carry dangerous weapons.
This was proven on numerous occasions when police officers visited various schools and conducted raids, an initiative introduced by the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison in collaboration with the Department of Education.
Some of the illegal activities include smuggling drugs such as dagga and nyaope and carrying dangerous weapons such as knives and pangas.
Pupils from some schools have allegedly done business with drug kingpins. Schoolchildren from Barberton secondary and Ngodini high are apparently involved in the illegal activities.
The newly elected chairperson of the school governing body at Barberton Secondary School, Mr Lucky Motha, sent out a stern warning to the kingpins who are destroying the future of these pupils by enticing them with money.
“We are not going to fold our arms and watch these greedy drug dealers destroy the future of our children. Their days are numbered.
“We are going to beef up security at the school. It will be the new home for our local police and we are going to increase their visibility,” Motha said.
In other township schools, gangsterism is becoming problematic and some of the fights among pupils lead to bloodshed.
Some of the shocking incidents that made headlines include the incident of pupils from KaMhola Secondary School in Barberton who stabbed each other in front of their peers. The video footage of the incident trended on social media and was condemned by community members, especially parents.
A parent, Ms Mavis Masinga said, “I was extremely shocked when I saw the video. Our children are no longer safe in school.
“When my kids say goodbye to me in the morning, I get worried because I have no assurance that they will come back alive.”
Sibhulo Secondary School also made headlines when pupils stabbed each other during an argument. They were admitted to Themba Hospital.
Not so long ago, parents were left in shock after a pupil from Mayibuye Secondary School raped one from Tibonele primary in the toilets.
Police are battling to find the alleged suspect who has left a 10-year-old incredibly traumatised.
