Unruly pupils change their tune after being taken on prison tour

Sixty unruly pupils from Tlakula High School and Kenneth Masikela High School, both in Springs, were taken on a tour to the Nigel Corrections Centre last Wednesday, reports African reporter.

The tour was to help encourage discipline and respect and discourage crime in schools.

During the tour, pupils were orientated around the surroundings of the prison and also engaged in briefing sessions by inmates and wardens regarding crime.

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KwaThema police spokesperson Const Media Khoza said they were concerned about some of the behaviours of pupils within the school premises.

“During police raids, we have found knives, sharp objects and drugs in some of the learners’ belongings.

“We have also received complains from teachers about some of the learners who are bullies and we don’t want our schools to turn into war zones.”

Female pupils from KwaThema toured the Nigel Corrections Centre.

“The learners had the privilege to engage in a dialogue with the inmates, who are sentenced for various crimes.

“They were discouraged to participate in all criminal activities, but to focus on their studies.

“We are happy, because their behaviour changed when they left the prison grounds. We are hoping that they have learnt so much from the tour that they change their behaviour and respect their teachers and the community at large.”

Khoza said the programme would be ongoing throughout all policing areas in Ekurhuleni East Cluster.

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