Police caution matrics ahead of ‘pens down’ parties

Pens down parties have become a norm for matrics, as they end their examinations and bid farewell to their fellow matric friends. Pupils will start to plan parties in different places to celebrate and enjoy themselves.

“Unfortunately part of their celebrations will consist of consuming alcohol and taking drugs,” said Umlazi SAPS communications officer, Capt C Rhynes. “These type of parties can cause some young people to become vulnerable to criminal activity and also participate in doing silly and dangerous things while being under the influence of alcohol with peer pressure from their friends.”

Umlazi SAPS sends a warning to all local matriculants to have a safe pens down party, as the end of exams approaches. “There are many cases reported each year, relating to pens dawn parties like rape, assault, missing persons and sometimes drownings, as pupils swim under the influence or very late at night without lifeguards nearby.

In some rape cases, the victims do not even know who raped them, as they have passed out from drinking too much alcohol or have been mixing drugs and alcohol, and are oblivious of their surroundings. Young women need to be careful about the risk of falling pregnant during this time. They have a bright future ahead of them but one mistake because of making some irresponsible decisions while partying can cost them that bright future or hold them back from living the fullness of their dreams,” said Capt Rhynes.

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The police encourage all pupils to look after themselves and to avoid alcohol and substance abuse. Here are some important tips to remember when going out to celebrate your pens down party:

• Make sure you don’t leave your drinks unattended, as that could lead to it being spiked with drugs, causing one to get dizzy or pass out.
• Make sure you walk in groups and look after each other at all times.
• Do not leave your friend with people you do not know or have just met.
• Refrain from swimming and being under the influence.
• Don’t go far from home and in places you have never been and are unsure about.
• Do not accept lifts home from strangers.

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• Do not travel alone in a taxi to get home.
• Always carry cash with you for a taxi to get home.
• Keep your belongings safe at all times.
• Don’t walk home with strangers.
• Every Prince Charming does not always want to help you but could possible take advantage of you.
• Do not stay out and not return to your own home without your parents knowing where you are at all times to avoid unnecessary missing reports being made.
• Do not carry dangerous weapons.
• Always let your parents know where you going and what you are doing.
• Don’t do anything you might regret in the future.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Do not hitch hike.

“We also appeal to all matric teachers and parents to help with the planning and supervision of pens down events, to avoid any unnecessary crime. We will ensure there will not be any alcohol consumed by those under age in public places and that clubs and taverns will be raided to ensure no underage consumption of alcohol is happening. We will work hard this festive season to ensure everyone enjoys the holiday season in a safe and responsible way,” said Capt Rhynes.