Gangsterism, drugs in schools a major concern

The use of learners in community protest, drug abuse, youth violence and the rise of gangs in some schools were highlighted as serious concerns requiring intervention when Community Safety MEC, Dickson Masemola delivered the departmental budget vote speech in Lebowakgomo last Thursday.
He stated that in many schools random searches conducted delivered knives, dagga and spray guns which showed that a serious problem was creeping into schools.
He reiterated that learners found to be on the wrong end of the law will be arrested as they put the lives of education-loving learners in danger.
He further indicated that his department was going to facilitate a ‘Police officer adopts a school’ programme to pay close attention to the challenges facing schools.
“We are going to work hard with the Department of Education through the school safety programme and confront gangsterism in schools with the vigour it deserves. Crime combat has become more complex and challenging given the character of criminals featured through organised formations, zeal with which both domestic and foreign criminal groups operate across national borders.
There are globalised activities and our province is not impervious to this reality,” Masemola explained and added that as such, the Police and other Law enforcement agencies are continuing to sharpen their skills and capacity.
He went on to stress a need to restore law and social order in society and he mentioned that they cannot hand over the country to criminals.
Masemola concluded by saying they cannot allow mafias to replace democratic systems of governance, dilute and detour the revolution.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za