One arrested in RHS drug bust

At least one pupil was arrested for being in possession of dagga when police performed a thorough raid at Randfontein High School (RHS) early on Wednesday.

The Randfontein Police, Randfontein Traffic Department, West Rand Flying Squad, the West Rand K9 Unit and the Krugersdorp Cluster Social Crime Prevention officers formed part of the operation. They searched every pupil, school bag and classroom.

RHS deputy principal Amy Appelcryn confirmed,

RHS requested the police to do random searches and on 9 September they performed a raid on the school premises. We are pleased that only a few knives and a small amount of dagga were found, however with a zero-tolerance policy, one weapon or one sachet of dagga is one too many.

“Randfontein High School hereby appeals to the community of Randfontein to assist all schools to protect our children and to report any muggings they witness to the police service. We also thank the South African Police Service for their support and vigilance.”

Warrant Officer Hitler Ngwenya, spokesperson for the Krugersdorp Cluster Social Crime Prevention team also confirmed that two knifes, a packet containing dagga and packets of cigarettes were confiscated.

The pupil, 18, who was arrested could face charges of being in possession of dagga. He will appear in the Randfontein Magistrates’ Court soon.

“At the beginning of 2015 the school became fully digital. We are very proud of our pupils and their accomplishments. This however also seems to have a downside as over the past few weeks a number of them have been mugged and threatened by vagrants on their way home. We constantly have to remind pupils that by retaliating, they are creating the impression the perpetrators are the actual victims.

It came to our attention that some pupils felt defenceless and were planning to protect themselves from muggers by using weapons, which would create dangerous situations. We do not condone any illegal objects on the premises and suspected there might be some.”

Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson confirmed all of the above and said, “The SAPS is mandated to search schools and other educational facilities. This is done in an attempt to prevent crime. Searches are conducted with the approval of the Department of Education. “

Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 413 8726.

Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

Also read:

Drugs – Weapons of mass destruction

Fighting drugs with signatures

Police winning the war on drugs?

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!