Schools have been in the news and not for good reason. Two latest articles indicated that there are big problems in schools, starting as young as in primary school.
Sgt David Ratau and Capt Nomsa Mtsweni are very involved in the schools and so are other members of the Witbank Police.
Sgt Ratau explained that problems include drugs, dagga, gangsterism, bullying, theft and more.
The show at RCS on Wednesday, September 26 (Photo’s: Legacy Emergency Specialists).
The show at RCS on Wednesday, September 26 (Photo’s: Legacy Emergency Specialists).
In previous articles the schools were searched and what was found is nothing good. But what can be done about this? A suggestion came from the cluster and Brig Sarah Mtombeni to educate learners.
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Sgt Ratau said on Thursday, September 27, that they visited Robert Carruthers School on Wednesday, September 26 for an educational session.
“We staged a car hijacking scene, took dagga along and added it to our crime scene. We are grateful for Legacy who assisted us and we showed the learners that these things do happen in real life, how it happens, etcetera.”
He added that police ‘shot’ at the suspect and he was then ‘transported to hospital’ with Legacy Emergency Specialists. Capt Eddie Hall explained what was happening as the scene progressed.
“There are numerous programmes that we are planning on doing at the schools, continuously. We can’t just go and search the kids. We must also educate them. Our main roles are not to search the kids and scare them, but also to educate them in making better choices. I say this again, in many cases the parents are not aware of what is happening in their children’s lives. They are oblivious to what the kids are doing,” Sgt Ratau added.
The show at RCS on Wednesday, September 26 (Photo’s: Legacy Emergency Specialists).
The show at RCS on Wednesday, September 26 (Photo’s: Legacy Emergency Specialists).
The show at RCS on Wednesday, September 26 (Photo’s: Legacy Emergency Specialists).
He said that they do not only focus on high schools, but primary schools are a priority as well.
“We deal with many factors. Theft in schools includes stealing from one another and stealing from teachers. Learners will climb through windows or damage property to get what they want. Dagga is not legal for you to use at school. We will call your parents and we will take it further. You may not arrive at school after smoking dagga at home and think its okay. It’s not. We work according to the Children’s Act and there are steps we can take against you,” Ratau warned.
He expressed his concern about what he is currently experiencing during school searches and more than one school have been searched more than once this year.
“Parents must not be misled by searches. It does not mean that there is a problem in the school. We have partnerships with the schools and it is for the protection of your children. We hear about teachers being killed or assaulted, intimidated by learners from schools in other cities. We don’t want it to happen in our city. The principals work with us, which we appreciate and are grateful for the co-operation.”
The show at RCS on Wednesday, September 26 (Photo’s: Legacy Emergency Specialists).
The show at RCS on Wednesday, September 26 (Photo’s: Legacy Emergency Specialists).
He concluded by saying that if a serious case should arise with a minor, a case will be opened and it will be handled by the court. If court sees fit, the child will then go to youth diversion to be taught morals and manners but a child can not go more than once.
“We are trying to improve our schools and to not let it get out of hand. We need the co-operation of parents and the schools, to stop the problems before it gets uncontrollable.”
