Westonaria Police have conducted a two-day intervention campaign at Westonaria Primary School on Monday March 7 and Tuesday March 8 to warn learners about how crime could destroy their futures.
According to Westonaria Police spokesperson Sergeant Audrey Sefara, Grades 5, 6 and 7 learners were taught about their own rights and privileges in terms of the Child Justice Act, and their capacity to be arrested for committing crime.
We engaged learners on bullying, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy,” Sefara added.
Learners were told that as they were the future of the nation, they should be responsible for their own lives and make sure that they refrain from activities that could land them in trouble with the law.
Sefara said they concentrated on bullying being was completely unacceptable anywhere in society, warning learners that those who engage in cyberbullying on social media in particular could be tracked down by police to face the law.
“We’ve also advised them always to report any criminal activities to their teachers, assistant teachers, prefects and even to their own parents and guardians,” Sefara said.
The Westonaria Police station commander, Colonel Selvan Moonsamy applauded all stakeholders’ involvement when management of the school sought intervention, especially given that bullying and discipline were among the bigger challenges in schools.
Other organisation that were part of the intervention were the Gauteng Department of Community Safety; Gauteng Department of Education; West Rand District Municipality; and the Victim Friendly Room.
Learners were given the Westonaria Police’s telephone numbers as well as the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 to use when needed, and they were told about the My SAPS app to submit information to the police.
