SECUNDA – For a local principal nothing is more important than providing good education in a safe environment for his 1 050 learners.
However, Mr Marinus Strydom, principal of Highveld Ridge Primary School, faces a daily fear that one of his learners might fall victim to the drug dealings happening literally in front of the school premises.
When visiting the school, alleged drug dealers could be seen in clear view and a deal was seemingly taking place.
Sadly, this apparent deal was happening right next to the school’s sports field on the other side of the palisades, while learners were on the field during break time.
Mr Strydom told the Ridge Times how he had witnessed a drug raid on the pavement right in front of his office a few weeks prior.
“When the police come and do a raid, the drug dealers scatter all over the place.
“I always have a fear that these dealers will discard their drugs when they are busted in front of my school and that a learner will pick up the drugs and mistake it for sweets.
“If one child gets hold of these drugs, how would that reflect on my school?”
He raised his concerns about the drug activities happening around his school to the department of education.
A meeting was held with the station commander of the Secunda Police regarding these concerns.
“We were told the problem is a lack of municipal by-laws prohibiting vagrants and illegal sidewalk spaza shops.”
The school had also erected shelters on the outside of the school’s property to shield learners who use public transport from sun and rain.
These shelters are now being used after hours for drug wheeling and dealings.
“I was told if I don’t want to attract unwanted activities I must take down the shelters.
“Why must I? These shelters were put up for my learners and are a necessity, ” said Mr Strydom.
He has a good relationship with the police and understands they can only do as much as they can.
In a meeting with the Hawks, the concerns of drug dealings in the area were brought forward.
“An investigation will commence,” said the Hawks.
