Children cautioned over underage crime
BRIGHTON Beach SAP communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, reached out to grade 8 pupils within the Brighton Beach policing area to teach them the risks of underage criminal activities.
The transition from junior primary to a high school environment has many challenges for pupils. Social acceptance, for most pupils, is their biggest concern,” said Cpt Le Roux. She said the pursuit of social acceptance can lead to unlawful activities as pupils give in to peer pressure. With this in mind, she conducted a programme entitled ‘children in conflict with the law’.
A child is criminally liable for their actions from the age of 10 and can be prosecuted. Pupils were taught about tribunals and how they differ from criminal investigations. “Even if a child is found not guilty in a criminal case, they could still be expelled or suspended if their actions contravene their school code of conduct and criminal investigations can have an impact on the outcome of a tribunal.”
Cpt le Roux listed objects that are categorised as dangerous weapons, banned substances and procedures to follow if a child is a victim of a crime and children were encouraged to report criminal activities in their schools, by placing anonymous tips in ‘I care’ boxes.
“Thank-you to the governing bodies, principals and teachers for affording me the opportunity to address the pupils,” said Cpt Le Roux.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
