Knives recovered by police at Greenside High
GREENSIDE – Five knives and two packets of cigarettes were recovered from Greenside High School pupils during an unannounced operation.
South African Police Service’s (SAPS) K9 Unit together with Metro Police K9 Unit members participated in a joint school search operation where five knives and two packets of cigarettes were recovered at Greenside High School.
“As part of the ongoing SAPS social crime prevention drive to rid the schools of drugs and weapons, social crime prevention coordinator Sergeant Iris Phoko and the contingent descended at Greenside High School unannounced in the company of three narcotics dogs,” said Parkview Police spokesperson Sergeant Lloyd Ramavha.
According to Sgt Ramovha, the pupils were then gathered at an assembly point, briefed about the purpose of the search and also encouraged to voluntarily declare and surrender illegal possessions on them before the search commenced.
No drugs were found.
“We thank the school management and teachers as well as pupils for the cooperation and cordial reception at their premises,” said Ramovha.
Ward 87 councillor Amanda Forsythe congratulated Parkview Police for this initiative.
“It is a fantastic initiative by the police to create awareness about drugs and weapons,” Forsythe said.
“Parents should get more involved and know what the children are up to, what is in their bags and everything they are up to. Often parents delegate the responsibility to the teachers and authorities but they should be hands-on at all times to ensure children learn what they need to,” she said.
Wendy Faull of Greenside High said, “It was the start of the new school year and it is a signal we will not tolerate substances at the school.”
She added that the deputy principal Carl Bouwer was aware that the police were going to be conducting a search, although it was unexpected for the pupils.
“We are aware of the pocket knives that were voluntarily declared. We have a firm no smoking policy. Those found with cigarettes will be excluded and they have to sign a declaration.”
Faull explained that a first-time offence warrants a two-day exclusion, while repeat occasions have more serious ramifications.
“The school’s aim is the eradication of smoking at Greenside High School,” said Faull.
