Youth warned to stay out of trouble
That crime you committed years ago that you laughed about will now be catching up with you, robbing you of an opportunity to get the job you studied hard for for years.
Police warned the youth to stay out of trouble as any criminal record may taint their names and rob them of their future.
According to Colonel Tinus Swart, Bekkersdal Police station commander, police across the board have interventions to help youngsters become aware of the serious consequences of crime.
“We have random school searches on a weekly basis and have educational talks with the students. We are doing this because there are pressure groups in the communities that may lead the youngsters astray,” Swart said.
According to Swart, part of the programme includes tours to prisons, during which the youth see the reality of prison life and gain an understanding of life behind bars.
“They engage with ex-convicts who tell them how they were rehabilitated and turned their lives around. During these engagements, learners get to hear about how ex-convicts were first received in prison, what their challenges are and the overall impact of going to prison on their livelihood.”
Swart said many times young people may unknowingly participate in crime that may have serious ramifications for life.
“For example, they can innocently think that they are forming part of a legal protest, but that protest may involve public violence or being arrested while drinking and driving, but for some reason, this is always a big joke to them, until they look for a job and are told that they have a criminal record for a crime they committed years ago,” Swart added.
He added these ‘victims’ are usually innocent teens and copy-cats who fall victim to pressure groups and may be implicated for life.
“No one, other than the President, can pardon you of any crime against your name and if you are someone who is ambitious, your opportunities to go abroad will be limited.”
Swart said even if a person is pardoned, the process is quite lengthy and is not always guaranteed.
“That crime you committed years ago that you laughed about will now be catching up with you, robbing you of an opportunity to get the job you studied hard for for years.”
Swart said young people should ask themselves if this foolish behaviour is worth destroying their future when they copycat and follow bad examples.
